Six Tips to Prevent House Fires
A house fire is among the worst scenarios that a homeowner can imagine. Aside from the obvious risk of injury or death, they can destroy your home and all of your possessions if they are not extinguished quickly. Avoid this terrible ordeal by following these fire prevention tips.
Update Plugs and Wiring
Frayed wiring is not just an electrical hazard; it’s a fire risk as well. A small spark can easily ignite carpet, insulation, or other flammable materials. Make sure that the wiring in your house and on all of your appliances is modern and in good shape. Some types of insects and rodents are known to chew on the insulation on electrical wires, so check on the wiring in the basement and attic once in a while.
Install a Monitoring System
Miami ADT home security companies are great at stopping thieves, but did you know that they can also monitor your home for fires? Many home security systems include temperature sensors. They can also be connected to your smoke detectors. This allows the monitoring center to notify the fire department so that if a fire breaks out when you’re not home, it will be extinguished before it gets out of hand. Ask your ADT Miami home security installer for a security system with this feature.
Get Regular Maintenance for the Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove
Fireplaces and wood burning stoves add a rustic touch to any home, but proper safety must be observed. Be sure to have the chimney cleaned on a regular basis. The creosote that builds up in the chimney can ignite from just one ember, and that fire can easily spread to the rest of the house. Make sure the chimney has a spark arrester as well; this will prevent any stray embers from landing on the roof and starting a fire.
Have the Air Conditioner Serviced
You might think that only heaters pose a fire hazard, but air conditioners can cause combustions in some cases. A severely malfunctioning motor can overheat and ignite. Plus, electrical components of the air conditioner may cause a spark at the outlet if they are not maintained properly. To prevent air conditioner fires, have your units serviced regularly, and replace them when they are nearing the end of their product lifespan.
Keep Dryer Vents and Lint Traps Clear
The lint that builds up in dryers is extremely flammable. After a few cycles, there will be handfuls of it in the lint trap as well as the vent itself. It only takes a few seconds to clean out the lint trap every time you put in a load of clothes, so keep it clean. Also inspect the vent periodically to make sure that wads of lint are not obstructing it.
Clean the Stove and Keep Flammable Materials Away
House fires are frequently caused by a mishap involving the stove. The cooking grease that splatters and spills will build up over time and eventually ignite if it is not cleaned up. When you notice this grease building up, wipe it off. You can also buy some splatter guards for your skillets to stop the grease from splattering out in the first place. In addition, make sure that no flammable materials such as oven mitts, napkins, or cookbooks are too close to the stove.
At the very least, a fire is a severe inconvenience, and at worst, it is a tragedy. It is the responsibility of every homeowner to minimize this risk by using monitoring technology, updating wiring and appliances, and making sure that every electrical device is in good repair. Doing these things will keep your home and family safe from house fires.
