As we enter the cold winter months, it may come as no surprise that the instances if house fires are set to increase. During this time, we rely more on our boilers, heating systems and fires to keep us warm and cosy. As we are all home more often, there is also an increased strain or our electrical system.
If we are not careful and do not carry out proper maintenance then all of these issues combined can increase the risk of a house fire. Here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of a house fire in your home this winter.
Boiler Maintenance
Our heating systems are used very heavily throughout autumn and winter. The more we use our heating the more strain is put on the system. If your heating system is older than this could cause breakdowns and potentially fires. It is important to have your heating system and boiler serviced annually. If you have noticed any issues with your boiler repair should also be made by a professional as quickly as possible. Proper maintenance of your boiler, be it gas or oil, will not only reduce the risk of a fire occurring but will also ensure your home heating keeps working when you need it the most.
Fireplaces & Stoves
Who doesn't love a roaring fire? There is nothing like a fire to keep you warm and cosy on a cold winter's night. Whether you have a traditional fireplace or a modern stove, it is important that you maintain the fireplace properly to prevent fires from growing out of control. Make sure you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. This will remove the highly flammable soot build up from the chimney breast. You also need to clear out the fireplace or stove regularly. Perhaps most importantly, never leave a fire unattended. Fires can spread very quickly and your home can go up in flames in a matter of minutes. There should always be someday in the room while the fire is lit to make sure it stays under control.
Electrical Appliances
As we spend more time at home it is inevitable that we use more electrical appliances. Whether it's phone chargers, televisions, lights, plug-in heaters, etc. This extra usage puts a strain on the electrical systems and can cause electrical fires. To reduce the strain our home's electrics the best thing to do is plug out appliances when they are not being used. Don't leave your phone charger plugged in while you sleep. Turn light off in rooms that aren't being used. Makes sure appliances are turned off fully and not left on standby. Get any problem repaired by an electrician as soon as they are noticed. Once you become are of these hazards, it is much easier to put small actions in place to prevent fires from breaking out.
Fire Alarms & Smoke Detectors
Perhaps the most important part of any fire prevention plan is to ensure that your fire alarm and smoke detector is working properly. Your fire alarm is the first warning that a fire has or will occur. Early intervention gives you the best chance to put the fire out before it spreads through your home. Test your fire alarm regularly – once a month is a good place to start. Always keep fresh batteries in your house so they can be changed when needed. You should have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home and fit them on landing, hallways, and rooms, which have an electrical appliance, heater, or a fireplace.
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