Wintertime usually requires heating up your home. Almost all heating equipment will require extra care and maintenance in order to keep your home safe from accidents or fires. Here are some helpful tips to keep your home safe and secure during the wintertime.
Be careful with space heaters. Space heaters are a main concern with home fires. Be sure that you place your space heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, such as furniture, window drapes, or even people.
Turn off your space heater when little children are around, or after you leave the room. Pets or children will need to be supervised while a space heater is in use. A space heater can cause severe burns or a fire if tipped over while it is still turned on.
Fireplaces and stoves need maintenance work done on a regular basis so they don’t become a bigger fire hazard. Be certain to have your fireplace checked annually for any safety repairs that may need to be done. Be sure that all children are supervised when a fireplace or stove is in use.
Smoke alarms are great safety tools. They should be placed in every level of your home. Check your smoke alarm batteries every few months to make sure they are properly charged.
Some heating equipment, such as stoves, ovens, and furnaces, require gas to function. Be sure to take extra precautions against Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Most professional security companies now carry Carbon Monoxide alarm detectors that go off in case of a gas leak.
Always use the proper heating equipment correctly. For example, don’t use an oven to heat up your home. Instead, use your heater or furnace to get that job done.
Always think ahead. Natural disasters or power outages can happen unexpectedly. Be prepared for emergencies by stocking up on supplies and blankets to keep yourself warm and safe.
