Stay Toasty Warm and Fire-Safe This Season | SERVPRO® of Hayward
1/24/2023 (Permalink)
Winter has certainly arrived here in Wisconsin! The temperatures are below freezing and the snowpack has settled in nicely.
We can almost guarantee that you have either cranked up your heat or stocked up on wood for your fireplace, or both. Because we use heat so much at this time of year, being fire-safe and responsible around heat sources is crucial to avoiding house fires.
We want you to stay warm and fire-free this season, so check out our latest blog all about home fire safety below.
We rely so heavily on our furnace and HVAC systems when it gets this cold! In order for this system to work smoothly all season long, it needs to be maintained often.
Now is the time to do a mid-season inspection to check for any issues or wear and tear on the equipment. You should also perform a deep-cleaning of it every season to avoid dust and debris buildup.
When was the last time you replaced your air filter? Your air filters should ideally be replaced every 90 days, and even more often if you have a large family or indoor pets. Make a note to change your filter at the change of every season.
Even though it is a small task to complete, it is crucial to protecting the lifespan of your HVAC system and keeping your air clean.
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, we bet you are enjoying the benefits of its efficient heat and ambiance! However, fireplaces are a common source of house fires if they aren’t cleaned often and inspected every season. Clear out any ash buildup and clean any smoke staining off of your brick surrounding. It is also important to ensure your chimney is free of blockages so the smoke can travel up and out of your home.
If your fireplace is an artificial one, you still need to clean it! Remove the glass and clean the logs and surrounding areas to remove dust buildup and other debris. Give the glass a good scrub as well. If you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you.
Space heaters can provide your home with warmth quickly, but they also can cause house fires if you aren’t careful. Your space heaters should always be kept at least three feet away from combustible materials while it is in use, and never leave them on while you are sleeping.
In addition, they should also always be placed on a level surface so they don’t accidentally get knocked or tipped over. When you plug them in, choose a wall outlet instead of an extension cord!
Lastly, it is important to keep an eye on your small children and pets while a space heater is in use. All it takes is a single accident for a large problem to occur.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Hayward for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!