Fire Prevention Questions to Ask Yourself
November 3, 2009 – 10:05 pm
Now that the cold season is setting in, you’re going to be using your heat and maybe even a fireplace to keep your home warm. But when is the last time you checked to ensure that your fireplace clean or that your furnace is working properly? If you haven’t inspected these items, don’t wait for a house fire to make you realize the importance of fire prevention steps. Below are some helpful questions that you can ask yourself to protect your home from fire.
Have you checked your heating system for leaks every year?
Malfunctions in your heating system can cause house fires, so it’s beneficial to inspect your heater on an annual basis. Also, you want to make sure that nothing is close to your heater that could catch on fire.
Do you have space around your appliances?
Look around your kitchen and in your laundry, because you might not realize how close you have these appliances next to each other or the wall. To prevent these devices from overeating, make sure they have proper ventilation.
How many items do you have plugged in one outlet?
Running extension cords through your home and overloading your circuits isn’t safe. Limit the amount of cords that you plug into each circuit, and it’s best to setup a power strip so you can unplug several appliances with one plug. This will also save you money.
When is the last time your chimney and fireplace was cleaned?
The buildup in your fireplace or chimney can cause a fire so call your chimney sweep before using it this year. Also, keep a sturdy screen on your fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out onto your floor. It’s possible for logs to roll out of the fireplace too.
Are there smoke detectors installed on every floor of your home?
Smoke detectors are easy to install, and they can warn you of potential fire possibly in enough time for your to manage it before it gets out of hand. If you already have these in your home, you’re job isn’t done. You also need to test them on a monthly basis, because the batteries will run out eventually.
These are just a few ways to prevent a house fire. It’s also wise to practice fire drills with your family and regularly sleep with bedroom doors closed to prevent the spread of smoke or fire. Also, don’t forget to keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your house.
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