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How to safely heat your home this winter!
11/3/2020 (Permalink)
With Winter fast approaching, you already know cold temperatures are right around the corner. This means you will be heating your living spaces. Which increases the chances of possibly starting a fire. Two of the most common sources of these fires are space heaters, and fireplaces. SERVPRO of Society Hill would like to provide you with some safety precautions to take this winter when using either one of these sources of heat.Space Heaters
In an effort to help cut energy costs or to accommodate roommates many people use space heaters during the winter months. They are an excellent way to warm up cold rooms or provide extra heat. Space heaters can also be hazardous if not used properly. Never leave a space heater unattended especially when children and pets are around, and don’t place it near drapes, shades or bedding. Always keep them out of high traffic areas, and doorways. This will lower the risk of a tripping accident. If your heater is more than a few years old, replace it with a new model that has more current safety features such as tip-over protection. This way it shuts off automatically if it happens to fall over. Never use an extension cord to plug in a space heater. Always plug directly into an outlet on the wall. While space heaters come in very handy they can also pose serious risks. So follow these tips to stay warm safely!
Fireplaces
Winter is a notorious time for house fires and it is vital to have working fire alarms around the house to alert everyone, but one of the main culprits is faulty fireplaces. The best way to prevent a disaster is having a professional properly inspect it. If your flue or chimney are blocked by debris or contain cracks or leaks, inadequate venting can occur, and toxic fumes may seep into your home. An inspection lets you know that everything is in safe working order. You should also have your fireplace and chimney cleaned before your first use every year. Always make sure your fireplace is out and cooled before going to bed, and just like the space heaters never leave the fire unattended.
SERVPRO Society Hill wants everyone to take the right steps to prevent house fires from happening. So if you take all these precautions and steps this winter you will be safe and warm in the comfort of your home!