Is Your Home Safe?

As your family gathers inside to escape the chilly weather, be mindful of the fire dangers you are at risk for in every room of your home. More than 18,000 people are injured in home fires every year. Here are simple ways to prevent home fires and make your family safer.






Problem: Unattended cooking

Not surprisingly, the number one cause of house fires start in the kitchen, and stovetop cooking is the primary cause. These fires account for 40% of all house fires.



Solution: Watch pots

Sure, everyone has heard the saying "a watched pot never boils," but the leading factor of house fires caused by cooking warrants undivided attention. If you have to leave the room to answer the phone or attend some other matter, turn off the stove, or have someone else take over.



Problem: Clogged concerns

The dryer is a magnificent modern day convenience that makes life easier, but it also can be a huge fire hazard. According to Consumer Reports there are as many as 15,000 home fires caused by dryers every year. That is a startling number, and most of those fires are a result of clogged vents.



Solution: Clean, clean, clean

You know when you forget to clean the lint out of the dryer a few times and how big that lint ball gets? Well just think of how your vents must look if you do not have those cleaned. So you should get your vents cleaned at least once every two years. Not only will this help protect your home, but it will also help with energy costs, and the longevity of your dryer.





Problem: Overloaded circuits

Speaking of appliances, all those cords can really add up to a disaster. In fact, during most years, home electrical issues account for about 28,600 fires and $1.1 billion in property losses. And 53% of residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring. More households don’t just have a TV; they have a TiVo, a DVD player, at least one video gaming system, and often a sound system. All of these require power.



Solution: Get organized

Use a surge protector, and don’t overload it. Skip the extension cords and go for a multi-plug panel. Avoid wires and cords under rugs, over nails or in high-traffic areas of the room. If a piece of electronics starts to sputter, spark or smell, turn it off immediately and replace it.





Problem: Alternate heaters

During the winter months, heating is the most common cause of residential fires. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that portable, electric space heaters cause more than 25,000 house fires each year.



Solution: Shop smart

When using portable heaters, put these hot little units on a level space, away from foot traffic, and give them room. Keep any combustible items—as well as children and pets—at least three feet away. Also, be sure to buy the right-sized heater for your space. Most heaters have a general sizing guide.





Problem: Inadequate protection

Approximately 33% of all homes do not have working smoke detectors. When you have a working smoke alarm your chances of dying in a home fire are 50% less.



Solution: Keep checking

Make sure you have a smoke detector and to check the batteries at least once a month. A smoke detector has a useful life of 10 years and then should be replaced. Another essential item to have in the home is a carbon monoxide detector.