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October
7
7
Safeguard Your Michiana Home Against Fire Risks
Fire Prevention Week is the perfect opportunity to safeguard your new home against fire, eliminating hazards and minimizing risks. Here are a few fire prevention tips for South Bend homes for sale.
- Smoke Alarms. You should have, at minimum, one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement. Some experts recommend as many as one in every room. If anyone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, install alarms that also come with flashing lights. Choose alarms whose labels indicate they've been laboratory tested. Test them yourself every month and replace the batteries annually. The detectors should be replaced every 10 years or so.
- Flames. Never leave burning candles unattended, either. While lit, keep them in sturdy holders on level surfaces, away from drapes and upholstery. Likewise, never leave flames unattended when cooking, and keep towels, dish rags, paper products, and electrical cords away from the stovetop. Keep a fire extinguisher near the stove to put out kitchen fires in a hurry.
- Other Hazards. If you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet from anything flammable, and be sure they have a safety switch to turn off automatically if they accidentally tip over. Keep gasoline and other fuel containers in the garage, with the lid on, away from anything flammable. When you use other flammable household products, such as nail polish, rubbing alcohol, or any kind of aerosol spray, keep them well away from flames, place the lid back on them securely when you're finished, and store them safely.
- Yard Maintenance. Clear all dried leaves, twigs, and other debris from your yard. Dispose of them properly, and don't burn them. Keep your lawn mowed and trees and hedges trimmed, as overgrown vegetation can be a fire hazard. In particular, make sure your roof has at least a few feet of clearance from any tree branches. Water your lawn and garden regularly to keep things from getting dried out. And if you have a wooden deck or porch, treat it with a fire retardant spray to guard against combustion.
- Other Maintenance. Anything major appliance or fixture that produces heat or flame should be serviced annually. This includes fireplaces, chimneys, wood stoves, and central heating system. A professional will check for damage and other issues, clean out any potentially hazardous debris, and ensure everything functions properly and operates within safe parameters.
- Planning. Your family should have a plan in place, in case a fire does break out in your home. Teach your kids what to do if they hear the smoke alarm and establish multiple routes out of the house in case one becomes inaccessible. Establish a central location outside your house where everyone can meet and do a headcount. Have a communication plan so you can contact one another in case you get separated.
By taking a few precautions, you can keep your home safe from fires and other disasters and ensure you can live in it safely and happily for years to come. Our real estate agents can help you find the perfect home for your needs from among St. Joseph homes for sale and show you the best ways to safeguard it. Contact us to begin your search for your dream home.
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