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Fire Safety for the Cozy Season | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
As the cold season fully sets in, it gives us the perfect excuse to cuddle up under blankets and wear fuzzy socks as often as possible. It is also the perfect time of the year to watch a fire in your fireplace.
Unfortunately, the number of house fires rises dramatically during this time of year as well. Fireplaces, space heaters and other heating devices leave our home susceptible to damage when they are used incorrectly or malfunction. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them—you just have to be safe when you do.
There isn’t anything better than the ambiance of a glowing fire. Fireplaces can also pose some pretty big hazards for your home when they aren’t used correctly.
If you burn wood, ashes and other debris should be cleaned out after every fire. Your chimney should be professionally cleaned at least once a year to remove creosote buildup. A professional inspection should also be completed on chimneys, regardless of the fuel source you use.
Make sure there isn’t anything flammable too close to the fire, even if it means rethinking your mantle decorations. There should be smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors nearby, as well as a fire extinguisher. Don’t skip on the dusting around the fireplace either. Dust is highly flammable, and it should be kept under control with regular cleanings.
A space heater is a great way to add a little extra heat to a drafty room, especially when the temperatures get really low. Space heaters are responsible for nearly 1,700 house fires each year, though, with most of them from unsafe use.
Make sure wherever you put your space heater it is on solid, level ground. Keep at least three feet around it clear of anything flammable. Always check your cord, and skip using one that has frayed or otherwise aged. Space heaters should never be plugged into extension cords or power strips, but instead should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
If you have older space heaters, an upgrade is a good idea to ensure you have the best safety features. While there are lots of options for heaters on the market today, there are a few things you want to look for to ensure your safety.
Research the manufacturer you are purchasing from. They should be both certified and reliable, and they should have a solid set of testing that their equipment goes through before use. Any heater you use should have a shut-off feature that kicks in when the unit is tipped or knocked over, as well as a timer that will automatically shut off your heater when it has run long-term.
Take a look at the cord on your space heaters, and make sure they feel heavy duty and are at least six feet. Think about where you will be running the heater to ensure you are getting one with a long-enough cord to run safely.
Give your fireplace a little extra attention and use your space heaters safely so that you can get the most out of the cozy season. If you do have a problem, call SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City and we will get things handled quickly.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.