Fire Hazards In Your Home

It is important to follow proper maintenance and operation procedures when using items that can be fire hazards in your home. Below is a list of things you should consider to promote safety in your home. 

Wood-burning Fireplaces  

• Have the chimney inspected annually to ensure it is clear of obstructions and creosote.  
• Install a cap and/or spark arrestor at the top of the chimney to prevent debris or animals from blocking the chimney. 
• Make sure the indoor area around the fireplace is clear of furniture, books, papers or other flammable material.  (2 feet is a good rule)
• Use a fire screen to prevent embers from jumping out. 
• Burn dry hardwoods to prevent excess creosote build-up.
• Don’t close the damper until the fire is completely out.  
• Never empty the ashes into a container immediately after a fire is extinguished.  

Gas Fireplaces

• Have a specialist perform routine maintenance and service as necessary.
• Adjust the millivolt output.
• Clean and adjust the glowing embers and logs. 
• Clean the fan and related air circulation passages. 
• Ensure the vents are unobstructed and able to do their job. 
• Install a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t have one. 

Power Strips

• Do not plug in additional power strips to the first one (known as “daisy chaining”).
• Use UL-or ELT-listed surge protectors and power strips. 
• Only plug one strip into a duplex (two outlet) wall outlet. 
• Unplug the strip with the appliance it powers when not in use. 
• Do not use a power strip to plug in equipment with heating elements, such as a hotplate, hot glue gun, coffee pot, or toaster. 

Clothes Dryer

• Keep lint trap and ducts clean! An indicator of lint and dust blockage can include clothes that are still damp or hotter than usual after a cycle is done. Another sign that something is wrong is if clothes are taking longer than usual to dry. 
• Depending on use, recommended cleaning is every 6 to 12 months. Many heating and air conditioning contractors will provide this service. 
• Improper dryer ventilation set up or installation can lead to carbon monoxide poisonings. Install a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t already have one.