AVOID THE HOME HAZARDS OF WINTER?

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Home Hazards on Winter Ventura, California

AVOID THE HOME HAZARDS OF WINTER?

The winter season is approaching. The days become shorter and the temperatures are lower. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. To keep our homes cozy, we use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. But winter products such as hot water bottles, electric blankets and heaters can cause burns and other injuries. Keeping warm and safe during colder months of the year also means being alert to indoor health hazards. Here are simple tips should help to keep you safe at home this winter.

1. Install smoke alarms throughout your home and test them monthly. Change the batteries every year, perhaps on a memorable date such as a birthday.
2. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater.
3. Have an escape plan in the event of a home fire and practice it regularly.
4. If you have a fireplace in your home, make sure the chimney is clean and not blocked. Always place a screen in front of a fireplace when it’s being used, and never burn rubbish such as plastics or foam, wood that is painted.
5. Don’t overload the fireplace with too many logs or an excessively large fire. This can cause damage to the chimney if it overheats. This also increases the chances of a log becoming dislodged from the pile and rolling out.
6. Ensure the fire is extinguished before you leave your home or go to bed. Never leave a lit fireplace unattended, especially when children are present.
7. Always keep children away from open heat sources such as fireplaces and gas stoves, and remember that even clothing with a ‘low fire danger’ label can still catch fire.
8. Never use your gas oven or stove as a room heater.
9. Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended.
10. Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
11. Check existing smoke alarms to ensure they work and are in the right places.
12. Have your heating equipment inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional before each winter season.

Don't let fire hurt your home or you. Identify potential hazards and follow safety tips.

If your property does suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Ventura at (805) 656-3911.