22 Tips on Preventing Fires From Home Heating, Candles, And Electrical Sources

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

You can greatly reduce the possibility of a home fire by following some simple safety tips we can teach you.

Home Heating Fire Prevention Tips
Home heating equipment (fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, etc.) causes a good percentage of winter fires. It’s a leading cause of home fire deaths. In a recent U.S. study, space heaters accounted for four out of five (80%) home heating fire deaths. Yet, some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires:
1. Make sure all fuel-burning equipment (e.g. gas furnaces and ranges, wood stoves and fireplaces) are vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (C.O.) poisoning.
2. Keep anything that can burn three feet or more away from heating equipment.
3. Don’t use extension cords with portable space heaters – plug space heaters directly into outlets.
4. Only use space heaters that have a switch that will shut off if the unit tips over.
5. Have your heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
6. Use a sturdy fireplace screen in front of your fireplace to stop sparks from flying into the room.
7. Place fire ashes in a covered, non-combustible container and douse the ashes with water.

Want more tips on preventing fires? Have SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield do an inspection. Call (860)461-7194 anytime.

Candle Fire Prevention Tips
Candles, although appealing for the ambiance they can create, are a significant cause of home fires. They are one of the leading causes of home fire deaths.  More than one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom, and more than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle. So, please:

8. Use battery powered artificial candles instead of candles with an open flame.
9. If you do use old-fashioned candles with an open flame, put them in candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
10. Keep candles one foot or more away from anything that can burn.
11. Always blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
12. Avoid using candles in rooms where people may fall asleep.
13. Never burn a candle if medical oxygen is used in the home.

Want more tips on preventing fires? Have SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield do an
inspection. Call (860)461-7194 anytime.

Electrical Fire Prevention Tips
14. Use lamp bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage (there is usually a sticker on the lamp).
15. If you have a fuse that blows or a circuit breaker trips often; if your lights flicker or dim; or if some electrical outlets or switches feel warm, have a qualified electrician do an inspection. These are often warning signs before a major disaster.
16. Power strips with circuit breakers can be useful tools to temporarily plug several items into an electrical outlet, but if used incorrectly they can cause a fire. The use of power strips and multi-plug outlets increases the draw of electricity through your home's wiring. Before creating additional electrical demand, ensure that your wiring is in good repair and capable of carrying the additional load.
17. Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen, bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas, to reduce the risk of electric shock.
18. Run extension cords around carpets, not under them. A cord under a carpet can heat up and cause a fire.
19. Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
20. Make sure all electrical devices you purchase are approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
21. Never put water on an electrical fire. Use baking soda or a Class C (electrical) fire extinguisher.
22. Know where your breaker box is and how to operate it. Make sure your breakers are properly marked for convenience and safety.

Want more tips on preventing fires? Have SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield do an inspection. Call (860)461-7194 anytime.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield serves businesses and home owners in Columbia, Coventry, Ellington, Hebron, Manchester, Mansfield, Somers, Stafford, Tolland, Vernon, and Willington.

More Safety Information   
Every month the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, wind, or other damage. Here are a few blog posts on safety issues that you might find helpful:  

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In Manchester, the team at SERVPRO® has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield anytime at (860)461-7194.

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