There is an increased risk of fire during the winter months brought on by heaters, holiday decorations, candles, and severe storms. Getting routine furnace repair in Los Gatos, CA is just one small step you can take to mitigate your risk of a winter house fire. Here are a few other fire safety tips to keep in mind until the change in seasons:
1. Candles
Candles are popular over the holidays. They bring a charming glow and sweet aromas into the home, making it feel warm and festive. They are also a cozy and romantic way to light a room around Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, any open flame, no matter how small, can increase the risk of a house fire. If you do choose to light candles in your home keep them at least one foot away from flammable objects. Always blow candles out when you leave the room. Do not leave pets or small children alone in a room with a lit candle. Do not use candles in the bedroom where they may be forgotten if you fall asleep.
2. Decorations
When decorating for the holidays, always take care to check for loose connections, cracked sockets, or bare wires. Do not overload the circuits by plugging too many lights into one socket. Always make sure to keep festive decorations at least three feet away from any open flames like candles, fireplaces, and other sources of heat.
3. Space Heaters
Space heaters are a convenient appliance. They work well to fight the cold in a drafty room and mean you don’t have to run the furnace for the whole house just to heat a small area. That said, portable heating equipment is the leading cause of house fires in the nation. And the improper use of a space heater can be destructive and deadly. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from a space heater in use. When you go to bed or leave the room be sure to turn the space heater off. Also, before each winter season make sure a professional cleans and inspects your heating equipment.
4. Fireplaces
There is nothing like getting cozy next to the fire on a cold, winter night. But again, it is important to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of smoke and fire damage. Before lighting up the fireplace, always make sure the damper is open. And do not close the damper until all of the ashes have cooled. While the fire is lit, keep the fire screen closed. Keep all flammable objects away from the fireplace. And always put the fire out before leaving the house or going to bed.
5. Cooking
Other leading causes of house fires during the holidays are unattended ovens and stovetops. It is so important to check the kitchen regularly if you are baking, simmering, or roasting food. When cooking for extended periods of time, be sure to use the exhaust fans to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide (CO).
Other fire safety tips include having smoke detectors on every level of the home and testing them often to make sure they perform properly. Also, keep fire extinguishers on hand in key areas and know how to use them in case of emergency. And have an emergency exit plan in place for your family should you ever need to evacuate your home.
Furnace repair in Los Gatos, CA is just one small step in winter fire safety. So in addition to these other safety tips, make sure to call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning for your annual service.
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