Keeping the home fires burning safely during the holidays
Holiday safety tips from the Chimney Safety Institute of Americastart this week’s column.
Each year, 27,000 house fires start in chimneys or fireplaces,while nearly 16,000 fires begin in clothes dryers, according toConsumer Product Safety Commission.
That’s roughly 43,000 house fires a year that can beprevented.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National FireProtection Association recommend that all chimneys, fireplaces anddryer vents be inspected at least annually.
“Many homeowners think their chimney only needs to be cleaned andinspected if they burn wood in their fireplaces or wood stoves,”said the institute’s Ashley Eldridge, “but almost all heatingappliances, whether they burn gas, oil, wood or coal, rely on thechimney to safely carry toxic gases produced by the heating systemof the house.”
Lint and other debris that build up in clothes dryer vents can alsocreate potentially hazardous conditions including carbon monoxideintrusion and the possibility for exhaust fires.
“When shifting into home-improvement mode or preparing homes forwinter, homeowners tend to focus on what can be seen, like garages,gutters and basements,” said Eldridge. “Often the most dangeroushazards are those that are undetectable without an inspection by aqualified professional.”
Keeping burglars out. More than two million burglaries occur everyyear, the lock maker Kwikset reports. Kwikset suggests five ways toimprove home safety:
-Make sure you have effective locks that are being used. Rememberthat not all locks are created equal. For maximum protection,choose high security locks.
-Do some yard work before you leave the house for an extendedperiod of time. Trim your hedges and bushes so thieves won’t have achance to hide out, and you won’t give the impression your home hasbeen left unattended and vacant. That goes for winter chores, aswell. perhaps your neighbor can shovel your walk to give theimpression you are home.
-Leave your spare key with a trusted neighbor. never hide it on theproperty. Keyless entry locks with electronic keypads are also agreat option. Burglars have more experience looking for keys thanyou do hiding them.
-Be sure all outside entrances of the home are well-lighted. Atimer or solar-powered light on the front, back and side of thehouse makes it difficult for burglars to hide.
-Think twice before posting upcoming vacations on Facebook,Twitter, or any other social media outlet. You’d be surprised howfast information can travel on the information highway – andsometimes to the wrong computer screen.
