October marks Fire Prevention Month, a perfect time to harden your home and business against the #1 property loss cause in the U.S.: preventable fires. In NJ, cooler temps bring space heaters, fireplaces, holiday cooking, and dryer use, while fall storms can knock out power and tempt risky generator setups. The good news? Most fires are avoidable with simple maintenance, smart habits, and a practiced plan.
As a 24/7 restoration company, AllStates Restoration sees the aftermath up close—so we provide this guide to help you avoid emergencies.
The Big Four Fire Risks
1) Cooking & Kitchens
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, broiling, or grilling.
- Keep a 3-foot kid/pet-free zone around stoves.
- Grease fires: Slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never use water.
2) Heating Equipment
- Maintain 3 feet of clearance around space heaters and baseboards.
- Use heaters with tip-over + overheat protection and plug directly into the wall (no power strips).
- Schedule annual furnace/boiler service; clean chimneys before burning season.
3) Electrical & Cords
- Don’t overload outlets. Use one high-draw appliance per outlet (microwave, toaster, space heater).
- Replace damaged cords; never run them under rugs.
- Consider AFCI (arc-fault) and GFCI protection where required.
4) Dryers & Laundry Rooms
- Clean the lint filter every load and the exhaust vent annually.
- Use rigid metal ducting (not plastic foil).
- Verify the exterior flap opens freely.
If you have any type of fire or soot or smoke damage emergency and need help, call AllStates Restoration anytime at 732-956-3900. HireASR.com
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