In honor of the many fire-prevention education programs and events happening this month around The united states , here are seven easy methods to prevent a fire in your home:
Ranges
1. Periodically check to create your range's vent hood is operating properly. If something's broken, fix it.
2. Remove spills and splatters from your oven's interior. If left alone, this can lead to smoking and eventually, begin a fire.
Space heaters
3. Limit use of space heaters. Their compact sizes makes them particularly vulnerable to accidental tipping over. It's best to keep space heaters a minimum of three feet away from flammable objects and fabric.
Dryers
Clothes dryers cause thousands fires in the U.S. and Canada each year. The common cause is lint build up that clogs dryer venting and restricts important ventilation.
4. Clean out the lint filter (a.k.a. lint trap) after every load.
5. A venting system ought to be cleaned out from inside of the dryer to the outside vent cap at least once each year. For many, this can be a one-afternoon DIY project. It's easy with a long brush. We also recommend Lint Alert for gas dryers. It monitors for lint build-up and blockage in dryer venting and alerts when there is a fire risk. But you should still periodically look for buildup manually.
6. Pay attention to drying time. If it's taking longer than usual for clothes to dry, the chances are lint is clogging the venting system. The venting should be cleaned out as soon as possible.
7. Periodically check to ensure there are no restrictions in the vent cap areas (where the venting exits your home). Ensure that bushes, flowers, debris, snow and other obstacles are not impeding air flow.
Other tips
- Once per season, check to ensure your carbon monoxide and fire smoke detectors are working properly. Schedule battery replacement dates on your calendars.
- Keep an easily-accessible fire extinguisher in your kitchen and make sure every person living in your home knows how to use it.
- Periodically review fire safety basics with children.
Simple ways to keep your family safe from a dryer fire
7 basic dryer care facts to keep your home safe and help you save money
Important snowblower safety tips
Range vent hood maintenance tips
Dryer maintenance tips
