24/7 Emergency Service
Fire Safety Basics | SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
Cozy season means that we get to enjoy some blankets and sweatshirts on the few occasions that the temperatures dip. Even in our mild climate, there is something so comforting about a fire in the fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate.
House fires spike in the winter, many of them as a result of the misuse of a heating device. The good news is that it only takes a few steps to keep things safe and your home protected.
If you have a fireplace in your home, you know that there isn’t anything that quite compares to the ambiance of a fire in the evening. Fireplaces can be risky in the home, though, especially when they are not properly maintained. A fireplace that uses wood should be cleaned after each use, and your chimney should be cleaned and inspected every year.
Make sure you don’t put anything that could catch fire if a spark accidentally landed on it near your fireplace. You should have a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector nearby, as well as a fire extinguisher.
Gas and electric fireplaces are a more common choice with our mild climate, but keep a close eye on them as well. Make sure the connections are tight and everything stays dust free.
Space heaters are a popular choice for warming things up without having to touch your thermostat. Space heaters are responsible for nearly 1,700 fires each year, many of them from simple misuse.
Make sure you always put your unit on solid ground where it is level and free of anything around it. Check the cord to make sure it isn’t frayed or broken. Space heaters should never be plugged into an extension cord or a power strip, but instead they should be plugged directly into the wall.
Teach your kids to stay away from space heaters when they are running, and take steps to protect your pets from getting near them as well. Even when it is really chilly, you should avoid putting the heater too close to the couch, bed or curtains and turn it off before you head to bed.
When you purchase your space heater, there are a few particular things you want to look for to ensure you are keeping your home safe. Do your research to find a reliable and certified manufacturer that requires strict testing on anything they sell.
Space heaters you use in your home should have an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in after the unit has been running for a while. Another shut-off feature should automatically turn off the unit if it is bumped or knocked over. Never leave a space heater unattended.
Your space heater should have at least a six-foot cord so that it can run safely in an open space in your home. Because your unit needs to be plugged directly into the wall, make sure you measure before you buy so that you are getting the cord length you need.
With these simple steps, you can make the most of the rare temperature drops we see and keep things warm and cozy. If something does happen, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul for fast and thorough cleanup.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.