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Keep Your House Warm and Fire-Safe | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
The best time of the year is when we can spend time playing in the snow and then cuddled up under a blanket with a warm fire at the end of the day. The cozy season is one of the best seasons.
It may be one of the best seasons, but it is also the time of year that house fires rise dramatically. Fireplaces, space heaters and other heating items put our home at risk when they are not used safely.
Nothing quite compares to how a fire can make you feel, especially at the end of a long day. Fireplaces can be dangerous when they are not properly cared for, though.
Wood-burning fireplaces should be cleared of ash and debris after each use. Chimneys should be cleaned to eliminate potential creosote buildup, and you should have them professionally inspected at least once a year.
Never put flammable materials near your fireplace, which might mean you need to reconsider what you are displaying on your mantle. If your fireplace is electric or gas, keep a close eye on the connecting points to ensure everything stays tight. Dust regularly around your fireplace, and make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Do you use space heaters to add a little extra warmth to some of your rooms? Space heaters are a common source of house fires, responsible for nearly 1,700 each year.
Always put your space heater on a solid surface, and ensure it is level. Your heater should run in an open space with at least a three-foot radius around it. Never put it too close to the couch, curtains or any other flammable materials.
Check your cords before you plug in a heater, and don’t use one that is frayed or otherwise broken down. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip, but always directly into the wall. Don’t run your space heater unattended, which means cutting it off when you go to bed for the night.
While most space heaters are going to come with some safety features, there are a few specific things you should look for when you plan to use one in your home. If you already have space heaters and they are more than five years old, it is a good idea to invest in some new ones.
Always purchase from a manufacturer that is certified and considered reliable. Space heaters should go through some pretty strict testing before they are sold, so do some research into how yours were checked. Only use space heaters that have automatic shut-off features that kick on when the unit has been running for a while or it has been knocked over.
Make sure the cord on your unit is at least six feet long and feels well-made. Measure ahead of making a purchase to ensure the cord length will be enough to run your unit safely.
With some simple safety steps you can keep your home warm and cozy. If you do experience an issue, call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for fast repairs so you can get back to enjoying the coziest season of the year.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.