With many households pulling out heaters and electric blankets which have been stored away gathering dust for the last six months, the risk of house fires is increasing.
However, most cases of household fires are accidental and can be very easily prevented.
To help keep the home and loved ones safe this winter, ADT Security recommends the following:
Dust off heaters and don’t place anything too close to them. If enough dust has accumulated on the heating elements whilst being stored away over spring and summer, they can become a flammable hazard and ignite once the heater warms up. Make sure heaters are given a good clean to remove any dust before use and also check that the electrical cords are in good condition.
Don’t place anything closer than a metre to the heater, and never drape wet clothes directly over the surface of a heater – instead place items on a drying rack at least a metre away and never leave the heater unattended.
Exercise caution when using electric blankets. Check electric blankets for dust and frayed electrical cords each winter season. Electric blankets should only be used to warm the bed and then turned off before going to sleep. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the electric blankets and don’t fold them away like regular blankets as this could damage their internal wires. Instead, they should be loosely rolled or hung up.
Take care when cooking. Kitchen fires, one of the main causes of house fires, can be better avoided by simply being more vigilant when cooking. Turn handles from pots and pans away from the body, avoid wearing loose-sleeved tops that hang down and could potentially catch fire from a gas flame, and never leave cooking unattended.
Keep an eye on candles. Don’t place candles near curtains or flammable materials. Always place them in candle holders and ensure they are extinguished when leaving the room. Also, be vigilant if children are present while candles are burning and keep matches and lighters out of reach.
Don’t overload power boards. Plugging too many appliances into a power board or using extension cords can lead to overheating. Damaged electrical cords can also cause appliances to overheat and power outlets to short circuit, so check power cords regularly and replace appliances accordingly.
Consider integrating a smoke alarm into the home security system. It is mandatory for households to have a working smoke alarm. For extra protection and peace of mind, consider integrating smoke detectors into a monitored home security system. An integrated smoke detector can alert residents to a house fire whether they are home or away.
