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Staying Safe Around the Fireplace This Winter | SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
We are powering through the winter season so far in 2024 and many of us are dreaming of those warm summer days that seem still so far off. Since we can’t warm ourselves in the sun this season, we have to do it in other ways! Fireplaces and space heaters are utilized much more heavily at this time of year to create those warm and cozy living spaces.
Unfortunately, there is a direct correlation between an increase in fireplace and space heater use with the rise of house fires during this time of year. SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex wants you to stay safe without the risk of starting a serious fire, so read on to learn more.
The warmth and glow that fireplaces provide can’t be beat, but they can be serious fire hazards if they are not prepared and maintained properly. If you have a real wood-burning fireplace, it is crucial that you continually clean out leftover ash and clean your chimney walls to remove creosote buildup. You should also inspect your chimney annually to check for cracking or structural issues.
Keep flammable possessions far away from the grating and off of the mantle, and make sure your smoke detectors are working. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, you should be continually checking the lines for signs of leaks, as even a tiny gas leak can be a huge danger to your family. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector next to your fireplace as well.
The best thing about space heaters is that they are easily portable, making you toasty warm wherever your day takes you inside your home. However, that’s also what makes them dangerous.
Space heaters can be quickly tipped over, and a fire can start almost instantly if there is no one present to set the heater back up right away. Choose a hard, nonflammable surface to set it up, and make sure the cord is lying flat on the ground or secured somehow to reduce tripping hazards.
Keep kids and pets away from the heater, ideally making a three-foot barrier for added protection, and keep curtains and other flammable materials far away from the emanating heat. Always turn off and unplug your heater before leaving the room or before going to bed.
Not every space heater that is on the market is a safe choice for you to purchase. Just because one is cheaper than another or is advertised as quick-heating doesn’t mean it is safe for you to have in your home. Do thorough research on the specific heater you have in mind and read reviews before purchasing anything.
You should also make sure that the company that produces the heater is reputable and has passed all of their safety certifications. Next, check the features that the space heater comes with. Many of them have safety shut-offs now that will turn the heater off automatically after a certain period of use, which can be a great back up in case you forget to do it yourself.
Finally, you should also take the time to inspect the cord that comes out of the heater. It should be sturdy and well-made and be at least six feet long so you can set it up in a safe location without worry.
Have a happy, safe and warm winter season! Remember that we are here for you if you ever suffer from any sort of fire damage in your home or business. Call us day or night for a quick and reliable recovery.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.