Fire Prevention Safety Tips

During the winter months, many people tend to spend more time inside. When the weather gets cold, many of us like to curl up next to our fireplaces and stay warm. However, many of our favorite winter activities could lead to dangerous fires. Lighting scented candles, cooking a delicious meal and lighting a warm fire in our fireplaces are all things that we enjoy, however, we want to ensure our safety while participating in these activities. Your Colorado Springs real estate team offer a few tips that you can follow to ensure your home is safe this season.

1. Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a great tool to alert us of a fire in our home. However, they don't do much good if they aren't working properly. Installing the right amount of smoke alarms is essential. According to the Red Cross' website, in new homes, a smoke alarm should be installed on every level of the home, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom. In addition, they should be wired together so if one sounds, they all sound. In existing home, at a minimum, a smoke alarm should be placed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area. After making sure your home has the right amount of smoke alarms, you should test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. 

2. Inspect Appliances 

Sometimes, fires can start from old or damaged electrical appliances. It is possible that once you plug the machine in and turn it on, it can overload and catch fire. If you suspect that one of your electrical appliances are outdated, have them repaired or replaced. 

3. Be Mindful

It is important to be mindful of your actions. Remembering to blow out a candle once you leave, turning off the stove when not in use and keeping a watchful eye on your cooking can make a huge difference in your family's safety. Always be alert when there is fire involved because one tiny mistake can have drastic consequences.  

4. Turn Off Portable Heaters

Portable heaters are nice to have during the winter months to keep you extra cozy. However, it is important to remember to turn them off once you leave the room or go to sleep. Electric blankets are also nice to have during the winter months to heat up your bed before goes to sleep. However, it is important to use them safely. It is never a good idea to sleep with an electric blanket turned on. Instead, plug it in about half an hour before you go to sleep. That way it can get your bed nice and toasty and you can turn it off once you climb into bed and hopefully go to sleep before the blanket gets cold. 

5. Keep Your Heating Sources Cleaned

It is important to make sure your home heating sources are clean and in working order. A poorly maintained furnace or chimney can be the recipe for disaster. Before it gets cold, it is a good idea to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. That way you know it is ok to use. In addition, your HVAC system should be serviced twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. In addition to making sure your furnace is ok to use, they will check to make sure it is not leaking any carbon monoxide. 

Keep Your Home Safe

Ensuring your family's safety is probably one of the main reasons why you bought a Colorado Springs home. Keeping up with your home's safety not only keeps it in good condition to sell when that time comes, but it also gives you peace of mind. If you are wanting buy or sell a home in the Colorado Springs area, give The Platinum Group, REALTORS a call at 719-536-4444. 

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

Visit our website: www.PlatinumHomeSales.com

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6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444