Although it doesn’t feel like winter is behind us yet, spring has sprung. That said, there are still a wide variety of fire hazards you need to watch out for; we’ll spotlight a few of them. Although you might think most of this is common sense, there are times when you’ll find it isn’t so common after all.
Lit Candles
Candles add a pleasant scent to any room they’re in – just because winter has ended doesn’t mean that warmth has instantly returned to our area. Besides, candles aren’t always just for heat and light. They can create a soothing ambiance for a romantic dinner or a relaxing bath with a good book. Just remember to blow a candle out when you’re done with it, or you’re about to leave the room. Doing this is especially important before bedtime. Keep lit candles clear of anything potentially flammable, always keep the wick trimmed, and don’t let it burn all the way down.
Laundry Rooms
Although you might not think it is likely, static electricity can start fires too. One place where you’re bound to find a great deal of built-up static electricity is in the laundry room. If you don’t already use dryer sheets, now might be a good time to start.
Think about it this way: after you’ve been sitting in your chair at work for several hours, you get up to step out of the room. You place your hand on the metal door handle and feel a small zap – that’s static. Empty the lint trap between loads of laundry. You shouldn’t try using a dryer that isn’t equipped with a lint trap. Make sure all the vents for both your washer and dryer are open and are free of dust and other debris. Make sure you don’t overload your dryer, either.
Electrical Outlets
Fire hazards appear when you least expect them. Maybe the townhouse you recently moved into has loose sockets. If you think these might pose a fire hazard due to an electrical fire, then don’t use them. Instead, get in touch with an electrician to come and fix it. Even if you fancy yourself an experienced DIYer, this is something best left to the professionals.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience in designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.