Tip Of The Week: Fire Safety

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another addition of Tip Of The Week. As Fire Safety week approaches, I wanted to write this article.

Fire Safety Week is one area that is extremely important to not only homeowners but parents as well. Many take their homes for granted but there are many things that homeowners need to do to make their homes that much safer for everyone, and we're going to talk about it today.

First off, there is no more important safety measure than to have smoke alarms/detectors in the home. Depending on where you live, many of the fire houses in your area will give you one for free, and that is a bargain that no one should turn down. Every bedroom, room and hallway should have a smoke alarm/detector and in many areas it's standard building code to do so as well. These alarms can either be battery operated, or hard wired into your home's electrical system. Either way I urge you to please make sure you have plenty of them in your home.

One big tip: Whenever you're doing your normal vacuuming in your home, it's a good practice to vacuum out your smoke alarm. One of the biggest reasons that they fail is because the sensors built in them get clogged up with so much dirt and debris that they don't function the right way. It's also good practice to change the battery in them every 6 months rather than once a year as some say to do.

Second, the same rules apply above for a CO detector. In the past we've discussed the importance of having those in your home as well. But as a refresher, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, gas that is emitted by any source that gives off heat, mainly the furnace. It is extremely important that you have these detectors in your home as well and locate them in the same areas where you have your smoke alarms. Like the smoke alarms, these can also be battery operated or hard wired, and the maintenance is still the same with these.

Every home should have a fire extinguisher in it as well. Ideally I'd like to see one in every garage, and kitchen. Especially the kitchen where at anytime a fire can break out from cooking or any mishap, and being prepared is very important.  Normally an "ABC" fire extinguisher is perfectly fine to have and it will take care of most issues that commonly occur at home. As always please make sure that you read the instruction manual on these units for proper operation.

One huge problem in homes are space heaters, which can lead to fires. These units, while great for producing heat in small areas, have been known to spark fires that have lead to total destruction. If you should need to purchase one, please make sure that it is "UL" approved, and make sure that it has an automatic cut-off switch should you happen to forget to shut it off.

No space heater should be left unattended, so if you need to leave the room please turn it off, and or unplug it. Once the room reaches the temperature that feels comfortable for you, turn it off. Doing this not only shuts the unit off, but it also allows the unit to cool off as well. If you need to use a space heater please make sure that it is at least 6 feet form any combustible material, especially Christmas trees and holiday decorations; also if you should need to use an extension cord please make sure that it is suitable for a space heater. All extension cords are not -- and I repeat, not -- created equal; please make sure that the one you need is suited for space heaters. If you should use one that is not rated for that appliance it will overheat and melt and could be a potential fire hazard.

It's also a great idea to plan out a fire emergency exit plan with your family. In case the unfortunate happens, every member of the family should know exactly where the closest exit is and have a plan to to exit the home as quickly as possible.

I hope that this edition of fire safety week was helpful, and you can also visit your local fire house and talk to them about fire safety in your home, and you can pick up some great ideas from our men and woman firefighters. The American Red Cross web site also has some super tips, too.

That's if for this week, folks; I hope you enjoyed the topic. I want to thank you all for joining me. Until next time, if you should have any questions, or comments about your home, condo or apartment please write to me, I'd love to hear from you and help if I can.

Have a great week, everyone!