Basements are prone to fire outbreaks because this is where heating equipment such as furnaces or fireplaces are often stored.
Basements are susceptible to water damage and flooding. It’s one of the most vulnerable areas in your home. Basements are also prone to fire outbreaks because this is where heating equipment such as furnaces or fireplaces are often stored. Luckily, there are steps that any homeowner can take to prevent a basement fire from occurring. Keep reading to learn more about how you can keep your basement safe from a fire.
Smoke Alarms are Vital.
Even if a smoke alarm is installed already in your basement, make sure to regularly test it to ensure that you and your family can hear it throughout the entire house. It’s crucial to make sure that all of your smoke alarms are connected. When one sounds off, all of them should. You also want to clean it monthly to make sure that dust hasn’t built up.
You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector as Well
Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. There’s no way that you’ll know it’s present in your home without a carbon monoxide detector. Heating equipment burns gas, coal, and oil that could lead to CO poisoning.
Keep Flammable Materials Away from Your Heating Equipment
Debris, paper, and textiles should be at least three feet away from any fireplaces, furnaces, oil burners, or other heating equipment in your basement. Also, it’s best not to store trash in the basement in general because it could be fuel for a fire. You should also keep any oily rags or cloths in a closed container to prevent them from catching fire.
Plug Major Appliance Into Wall Sockets
Major appliances that burn a lot of energy such as washing machines and dryers could cause an overload if you plug them into an extension cord. Overloaded extension cords can cause short circuits and cause a fire emergency to happen.
Clean Lint Filters
A large number of people ignore the “check lint filter” message when they turn on their dryer. Lint and dust are combustible. Therefore, it’s crucial that you clean your dryer and check for lint and dust around the drum. You should also have the ductwork cleaned yearly.
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.