A house fire is devastating. There is property damage to deal with, and hopefully you have insurance to cover some of the loss. However, insurance will not replace your photos, mementos, and important documents. House fires can also cause injury or loss of life, with pets being the most likely victims. Regular fire sprinkler inspections in NJ provides some protection in the event of a fire, but prevention is the first step in fire safety. Throughout your house there are hazards that could cause a fire, and mitigating those can prevent a fire from happening. Common hazards exist in your bedroom, in your kitchen, and in your utility room.
Hazards in Your Bedroom
Candles are nice to look at, and can create a very romantic mood. It is important to remember while it is enjoyable, a candle is an open flame. Do not leave a burning candle unattended, and ensure there is no flammable material nearby. Another hazard in the bedroom are electrical outlets. Ensure outlets are not overloaded, and all cords are in good shape. Frayed wires can cause short-circuits, a common cause of house fires.
Hazards in Your Kitchen
The biggest fire hazard in your kitchen is the stove. Hot cooking oil can ignite during cooking, spreading throughout the kitchen easily. Precautions in the kitchen include having a fire extinguisher, providing proper supervision when children use the stove, and keeping flammable materials away from the stove. Things to watch for around the stove include towels, curtains, and recipe books.
Hazards in Your Utility Room
Your utility room is home to a few fire hazards. Your clothes dryer can be a hazard if precautions are not taken. Always ensure that lint is removed from the lint trap. The exhaust vent should also be checked regularly to ensure there are no blockages. Furnaces rely on combustion to heat your home and can be a hazard. Keeping flammable materials away from your furnace, maintaining it properly, and following the proper usage instructions for your model will help keep you save.
