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Staying Cozy and Fire-Safe This Winter | SERVPRO of Hayward
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Hayward this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
Who else loves grabbing a blanket and getting cozy at this time of year? We are in the heart of the winter season in the Hayward community, which means we are all finding ways to stay warm while the winter weather rages outside. Make sure you are being safe with your fireplace and space heater to avoid serious fire situations.
Did you know that the number of house fires skyrockets during the winter months? Unfortunately, most of them are caused by preventable accidents with space heaters, fireplace issues and other electrical woes. SERVPRO of Hayward offers some easy ways to stay safe while staying warm this winter below.
A crackling fire can be the perfect backdrop for those chilly Wisconsin nights, but they can be downright dangerous if your fireplace is not properly prepared. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, be sure to clean out excess ash buildup and routinely clean your chimney to remove creosote buildup.
Keep flammable materials far away from the mantle and the flames and make sure your smoke detectors are ready to work by changing the batteries as needed. If your fireplace is electric or gas, check the lines often for signs of wear and tear or leaks and clean it off regularly to remove dust buildup. Make sure everyone in your family knows where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
Space heaters are responsible for about 1,700 house fires every year. That’s a huge consequence from something that is supposed to keep you toasty warm! Their portability is what makes them convenient, but that is also part of the reason they can be so dangerous.
If they get tipped over, the heat can set your floor on fire really quickly. Choose a level and nonflammable surface to set up your heater and check the cord for any fraying or loose wiring before plugging it in.
Create a three-foot barrier around it to keep kids and pets out of the area, and be sure flammable materials like curtains and cushions are far away from the heater. Space heaters should never be plugged into extension cords, and they should always be turned off before going to bed.
It is important to remember that not all space heaters are safe choices for your home. A cheaper or off-brand heater may be appealing, but it also may be more dangerous. Do your research and read reviews before making your purchase.
First, you should prioritize purchasing from a certified and reliable company that has passed their required safety certifications. Many reliable space heaters nowadays have a shutoff feature that will turn the heater off on its own after a certain period of time, which can be a great backup in case this important task is forgotten.
You should also make sure to inspect the space heater’s electrical cord before purchasing. The cord should be sturdy, well-made and at least six feet long. This length ensures that you can plug your heater in while still ensuring it can be set up far away from flammable materials.
Stay warm and cozy this winter! If you suffer from a house fire for any reason, call SERVPRO® for a quicker and more reliable recovery. We will remove damaged debris, tackle stubborn smoke odors and repair your home from start to finish.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO for immediate assistance.