A house fire is one of the most devastating events a homeowner can experience. Just like that, a lifetime of memories can go up in smoke. That’s why it’s essential to take steps now to keep the destructive flames at bay. Here are five easy tips for preventing house fires.
Keep Things Clean
Allowing lint to build up in your tumble dryer is a major fire hazard, and one of the leading causes of house fires in the US. Keep your tumble dryer free of flammable fluff by using Dryer Vent Cleaning in Cary, NC or a similar service near you. Not only will this reduce the fire risk, but your clothes will dry much faster too. Similarly, take the rubbish out often to prevent it from building up in your house. Things like cardboard and plastic packaging can provide fuel for a fire, so removing it all from the house as often as you can will prevent a fire from spreading so easily.
Test the Alarms
As everybody knows, fire alarms save lives. It’s crucial to test your smoke detectors regularly and change the battery if the beeps are weak or non-existent. Some of these now serve a dual purpose and can also detect the presence of carbon monoxide. There should be alarms inside each bedroom and one or more on every level, especially in the kitchen and living room.
Inspect Your Heating Sources
It’s essential to have your heating sources serviced annually by an HVAC professional. Keep clutter away from any heating source, such as space heaters. Failure to clean the air filters is also dangerous because it can spark a fire from the particles trapped in the filter. If you use heating oil to warm your home, you may have gone onto websites like https://paylessforoil.com or others that are closer to your area to get it, you’ll need to make sure that you are keeping it in a safe and secure place that no one else like your children or pets can access so there is no cause for an accident.
Electrical Worries
If you notice anything unusual with your electrical system, it would be advisable to call a competent electrician like the ones at Master Electrical Service or elsewhere, right away. Poor electrical wiring poses a real risk to your safety, as well as a fire hazard to your house. Always be cautious around electricity, or you could find yourself sifting through the ashes. Exposed wires and faulty connections are just a few of the common causes of electrical problems and can lead to a fire. Following a few simple electrical safety tips, like not overloading plugs, can help keep you and your family safe.
Proper Storage Standards
In a cabinet or on a shelf somewhere in every home sits a collection of household cleaners and spray cans just waiting for a heat source. Heat causes many of these products to combust, which is very dangerous in a contained area. Keep these items away from heating sources to prevent this from happening.
Candle Caution
Few people can resist the allure of a scented candle burning around the home, but it’s essential to exercise caution after lighting the wick. Even in a controlled environment, you can never assume safety anytime open flames are involved. Set timers to remind yourself to extinguish any candles and never let them burn if you are going to sleep or leave home.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher
The last of our tips for preventing house fires is having a fire extinguisher handy in the event a fire breaks out. Having one available can help prevent one small spark from turning into a blazing inferno. Have one easily available on each floor helps get a fire under control quicker. Make sure everybody knows where each one in the home is and how they operate.