10 Steps To A Safer Home

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Your home is your castle. Let’s keep it that way. Here are some ways you can prevent unexpected home disasters from happening. Preparation is always better than dealing with a disaster in your home. 
 

1. Know some fire hazards aren’t obvious.
You may be unaware of many of the items in your home that can cause a fire risk.  For example, lint build-up in your clothes dryer is a fire risk. Clean out the lint filter every time you use the dryer and check the exhaust pipe and vent weekly. Another surprising fire hazard is battery-charged appliances. They can overheat and produce flames. We know a family who keeps a large stock of paper goods in an open closet where a family member smokes. Go through your house looking for hazards like these. Check for anything that might be a fire hazard and take precautions.

2. Test for radon.
This colorless, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Test every three years. A tightly sealed home increases your risk.

3. Replace old electric blankets.
After 10 years heating pads and electric blankets can cause a fire hazard. Replace any heating pad or electric blanket that has a charred spot or a frayed or cracked electrical cord.

4. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor.
If your home is like most you probably have carbon monoxide alarms on the main floor and near the bedrooms. Fire prevention experts recommend also placing carbon monoxide detectors on other floors, including your basement.

5. Get rid of old space heaters.
Space heaters are a prime cause of home fires. Replace old space heaters with the newer models that turn off automatically if they tip over or get overly hot.

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

6. Check for mold every 3-5 years.
Mold damages your respiratory and immune systems. Buy a do-it-yourself kit or hire SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield to detect mold every 3-5 years.

7. Smoke only outside the house.
More fire deaths are caused by smoking inside the home than are caused by any other factor. If someone must smoke on your property have them smoke outside. Always dampen butts and ashes before throwing them away.

8. Place critical papers in a fireproof box.
You may want to include your identification papers (like your Social Security card, passport, and birth certificate) in a fireproof box. Consider adding financial records, family photographs, and emergency cash in small bills.

9. Keep trees and shrubs away from your roof and foundation.
Dead branches hanging over your roof can fall and create damage. Shrubs that brush against your house can bring an outdoor fire right into your home. Roots from trees planted too close to your foundation can interfere with your basement floor or foundation walls.

10. Keep gutters, fireplaces, chimneys in good repair and clean.
Water builds up in clogged gutters, drains, and downspouts. It can then find its way into your house. That’s a disaster.  Also, have a professional inspect your chimney and fireplace once a year. During the year you can use binoculars to examine the outside of your chimney for any cracks or signs of damage. Your chimney flue should be cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.    

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649-0836

More Steps To A Safer Home  
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how you can help protect your home or business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, smoke, chemical, or other damage.

Call On Us
We’re here to help you. The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of cleaning up after water, sewer, fire, smoke, wind, chemical, or other similar natural disasters.  Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

Call On Us
We’re here to help you. The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in virtually all aspects of cleaning up after water, sewer, fire, smoke, wind, chemical, or other similar natural disasters. 

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24 hour emergency service