October is National Fire Prevention Month, with Fire Prevention Week being October 4-10. Below are some safety tips that homeowners should know to keep themselves and their families safe.
Smoke Alarms: An estimated 3 out of 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in which no smoke alarms were present or did not operate.
Alarms should be inside and outside each bedroom or sleeping area. They should be installed in every level of the home, including basements.
Batteries should be replaced twice a year.
Smoke alarms should be replaced EVERY 10 years.
Stove Thermometers: A stove thermometer on any wood burner is important. Thermometers are inexpensive, easily installed and tells a user, at a glance, if the stove is being burned at the proper temperature. Inefficient temperatures can cause damage to the unit and cause the homeowner to make unnecessary repairs. Efficient burning can also reduce the amount of creosote buildup in the flue.
Other Safety Items:
Dryer safety monitors give homeowners a heads up if their vent has buildup of lint and needs to be cleaned. Helps prevent dryer fires while also saving homeowners money.
Fire Escape Ladder allows for fast exit from any window. Ladders come in a variety of lengths to accommodate different story homes.
Household Fire Extinguishers are generally used to put out or control small fires before they become dangerous. For chimney fires, Chimfex Chimney Fire Extinguisher can suppress a chimney fire in an average time of 22 seconds.
Kids and Family: An estimated 5 out of 6 fire deaths happen in the home. E.D.I.T.H.(Exit Drills in The Home) should be practiced twice a year with everybody in your family household. Helpful video from National Fire Protection Association.
Dryer Vent Safety: An estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings are reported to US Fire Departments each year and cause 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
At least ONCE a year homeowners should have their vent pipe cleaned by a professional. Failure to keep vents clean is the leading cause of clothes dryer fires.
Don’t wait until it is “Winter” and “Cold” to maintain your heating source. If you have a stove that is older than 10years, consider having replacement parts on hand even if it is functioning well. During peak heating season when demand is high from suppliers and manufacturers for replacement stove parts it can be 2-6 weeks or longer depending on the part needed. Plan ahead and be prepared! Get ready for winter at the end of winter.
“TIPS” are just suggestions for your general information, WoodHeatStoves.com cannot be held liable and use of this information is at your own risk.
