Essential Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

We have a lot of gadgets and appliances to help us in our homes, like programmable thermostats, smart home devices, virtual assistants, and Bluetooth vacuum cleaners. Some of the most important technologies in our homes are the devices that keep us safe during a fire and/or a carbon monoxide leak. 

According to the National Safety Council, about three out of five fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms. Here are some tips to help make sure your home has a smoke detector that will play a key role in your home’s fire escape plan:

Install Smoke Detectors on Every Level of Your Home

There are specific requirements on the number and type of smoke detectors you must have in your home.

Many states require hard-wired smoke detectors. Only qualified electricians should install your hard-wired smoke alarms.

Install A Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Combination alarms sense both smoke and carbon monoxide. These are especially necessary if your home has fuel-burning equipment, such as an oil or gas boiler, furnace, or water heater.

Install New High-Tech Smoke Alarms

We recommend newer smoke alarms with alert systems that beep and make voice announcements.

They’ll let you know where the smoke is being detected and if the alarm is faulty.

Test Your Smoke Alarms Regularly

You should test your alarms monthly and replace their batteries once every year. If your detector uses a 10-year lithium-ion battery, follow the directions for that device.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, you should replace all smoke alarms every 10 years.

Check for Wear & Tear

You should check your electrical appliances and cords for signs of wear and tear. We recommend replacing damaged cords.

You should also avoid using extension cords so you don’t overload electrical outlets.

Unplug Appliances

You should unplug appliances when they aren’t in use, especially when no one is home. This simple step mitigates many fire hazards.

Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy

You should place fire extinguishers in key areas of your home, such as the garage, kitchen and near the fireplace.

Watch for Signs of Electrical Issues

As a homeowner, you should be able to recognize the signs of electrical malfunction in your home, such as flickering lights, hot or sparking outlets, and frequently tripped breakers.

Electrical problems can quickly become safety issues. Call an experienced electrician to inspect your home’s electrical system.

Properly Maintain Your Home’s HVAC System

Routine HVAC service is important because it ensures HVAC reliability, enhances energy efficiency, and minimizes electrical fire risks.

Enroll in a maintenance agreement so an experienced technician can identify any issues with the unit and repair or replace it.

Clean Your Home’s Ductwork

If your ductwork is full of dust and debris, it can be a fuel source for fire. We recommend routine duct cleaning and dryer duct cleaning to minimize unnecessary risks.

Contact Service Today

Keeping your home safe is essential to what we do at Service Today. We can repair or replace your home’s essential systems to ensure your peace of mind.

Whether you live in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania, our technicians are trained to identify issues with your home’s heating, cooling, plumbing, drain, and sewer systems. We also offer electrical services in Maryland and Delaware. Make our team your local source for professional home service solutions.

Call now to request a service appointment from Service Today. We’ll make it right…right now!