Leaf Burning In Delaware County, PA

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA is locally owned and operated

Tips To Staying Safe And Reduce The Risk Of Fires

Leaf burning is a cherished tradition in many parts of Delaware County. The sights and smells of these bonfires can be as much a sign of Fall as pumpkins and football. However, it’s important to remember that burning leaves in your back yard or a field may be banned and can quickly lead to a dangerous situation, spreading to surrounding bushes and trees and even your home.

Use Caution When Burning Leaves

Clear leaves away from the home and other buildings. Burn leaves only when permitted and in accordance with local laws and guidelines. Use extreme caution to ensure safety and control of the fire.

Prepare Your Home 

Select building materials and plants that resist fire. Regularly clean your roof and gutters to remove flammable debris. Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home.

Gather Firefighting Tools 

Set aside household items that can be used as firefighting tools: rake, ax, bucket, shovel, etc.

You may need to fight a fire before emergency responders arrive.

For more information on how you can stay safe and prepare for fires, visit our Home Fire Safety and Wildfire Safety.

Burning Leaves May Spark Health Problems

Because of the moisture that is usually trapped within leaves, they tend to burn slowly and thus generate large amounts of airborne particulates—fine bits of dust, soot and other solid materials. These particulates can reach deep into lung tissue and cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath and sometimes long-term respiratory problems.

Leaf smoke may also contain hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which can bind with hemoglobin in the bloodstream and reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood and lungs. Another noxious chemical commonly present in leaf smoke is benzo(a)pyrene, which has been shown to cause cancer in animals and is believed to be a major factor in lung cancer caused by cigarette smoke. And while breathing in leaf smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat of healthy adults, it can really wreak havoc on small children, the elderly and people with asthma or other lung or heart diseases.

Our Community

SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA takes great pride in being an active member of this community. We want to do our part to ensure the community thrives by keeping the area safe and making it the best it can be. 

For help with a fire loss at your home or business Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA (610) 352-0700

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As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA provides 24-hour residential and commercial services. As a locally owned and operated business, we’re dedicated to being faster to any size disaster, with the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

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