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Feeling Chilly? Stay Fire-Safe and Warm This Season | SERVPRO of Alamo Heights
1/16/2024 (Permalink)
Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Alamo Heights this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!
Texas weather can be really unpredictable in the winter time and bring serious ice storms and snow or remain mild and sunny. In any case, the nights do get cold and many of us run to our fireplaces and spaces heaters to cuddle up.
While it is important to stay warm throughout the winter, it is also important to do your part in reducing your risk of suffering a house fire! SERVPRO of Alamo Heights explains below some reliable ways to stay warm while also staying safe around your fireplace and space heaters.
What could be better than a softly crackling fire on a cold winter’s night? Unfortunately, fireplaces can be downright dangerous if they are not prepared or maintained properly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, prioritize cleaning it out regularly to remove ash buildup and creosote residue from the walls. Your chimney should also be professionally inspected every season to make sure it is not cracking or experiencing any issues.
Remove flammable materials from your mantle, and clear a path in front of the hearth that is free of rugs or other possessions. If your fireplace is run by gas or electricity, install a carbon monoxide detector nearby and check the gas or electric lines often for signs of leaks or loose connections.
Did you know that space heater accidents account for over 1,700 house fires every year? That’s a lot of preventable fires! The key to keeping a fire-free home when you use space heaters is to set them up in a safe location.
The spot you choose should be a hard and level surface and certainly nonflammable. Check the cord for any fraying or loose wiring and then lay it flat or tape it down to avoid creating a tripping hazard.
At this time, you should also create a three-foot barrier around the heater to keep out kids and pets and keep flammable materials like couch cushions and low-hanging curtains far out of the way. Designate one person to be in charge of turning off your space heater before going to bed!
It is important to remember that there are many different space heaters on the market and not all of them are created equally. Cheaper doesn’t always mean a good value, and lofty claims like fire-resistant don’t always hold true. This is why it is crucial to do your research!
Research different companies to ensure they have passed their necessary safety certifications and are verified by the Better Business Bureau. You should also read reviews of their products, including for the heater in question.
Different safety features can also be helpful, like an emergency shutoff feature. This switch will immediately turn off your heater after a certain period of time and can be a great back up if you have a hard time remembering to do tasks. Finally, inspect the cord of the heater you are researching to make sure it is well-made and is securely attached to the heater.
We hope you have a safe and warm winter season! If you wind up suffering from any sort of fire damage, call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights right away for a quick restoration. We will expertly remove damaged debris, save your possessions and rebuild your home from the ground up.
A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO for immediate assistance.