Home Fire Safety Tips

In light of the fires in May, we would like to remind you of the importance of giving your home a safety check-up. Below are some steps you can take to help make your home a safer place.

Housekeeping
• Keep rubbish cleaned out of attics, garages and yards.
• Remove all dried grass cuttings, tree trimmings and weeds from property.
• If you live on a canyon, create a 100’ defensible space. Defensible Space is the area around a structure where combustible vegetation that can spread fire has been cleared, reduced or replaced. This space acts as a barrier between a structure and an advancing fire.

Clothes Dryer Safety
• Dryers should be installed and serviced by a professional.
• Clean lint out of ductwork annually, or as needed.
• Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.

Electrical Hazards
• Check appliances periodically to be sure they are in good operating condition.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs or over hooks and nails.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

Heating
• Annually service your forced air heater and change the filter.
• If you have a fireplace, always place a screen in front of it.
• Use a “spark arrester” or spark catching cover for your chimney.
• Plug electric-powered space heaters into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.

Smoke Detector
• Install a smoke detector inside each sleeping area and on each floor.
• Check your smoke detector(s) every month.
• Change your smoke detector battery twice every year.

If you need assistance with your home maintenance and safety checklist, we’re happy to help. Please call us at (619) 583-7963.