With Dry Conditions Use Extra Caution This Spring

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Dry conditions leave NW Iowa with heightened concerns for fire damage.

Even though we saw a few days of much needed soaking rain, much of northwest Iowa remains extremely dry.  Now add in the blustery winds and you have a good recipe for fire warnings.  

While out visiting clients and attending the couple of home/vendor fairs we have had the opportunity to attend this year, I got the opportunity to speak with a few farmers in our area.  While many remain optimistic about the spring planting season, some were still concerned with how low the water table is.  Low water table typically means less yields and a slower economy.  

How does all of this pertain to fire damage, let me tell you.  First with the dry conditions and blustery winds that means our outdoor bonfires and even something as simple as flicking a cigarette butt can cause major damage.  All it takes is a single spark and that patch of leaves in the back yard or the weeds in the dry ditch begin to burn uncontrollably.  

There are times that many of us may believe we NEED to burn, and if that is the case then do so with caution.  It isn't just you or your home that is affected, soot damage can travel extreme distances and cause damage to those around you.  If you must burn remember these few things...

• Check to see if there is a burn ban in place, no sense in getting ticketed in the process.
• Burn during the calmest time of day and in the calmest area of your property.  
• Have a source of water or an extinguisher handy if conditions get out of control.
• Keep your cell phone nearby and charged in the event of a disaster.  
• In some cases it does not hurt to notify your local fire dept. of a controlled burn so they have proper staff on hand in the event things turn ugly.  

The last thing to remember is, if disaster strikes...call the team that's Faster to Any Disaster, SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes. 712-262-4379