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By: J. William Sarvey, CIC
Autumn is a sublime and beautiful season in Clearfield, Jefferson, Elk, and Clarion counties. With the cooler weather and the arrival of slate-colored skies, many residents neglect to prepare for the season in which more homes catch fire than any other according to the National Fire Protection Association.
“October is an ideal month to prepare and inspect your home for the possibility of fire hazards,” says Will Sarvey, CIC and agent at Sarvey Insurance. A fire in your home is nothing to scoff at or to treat as something that only happens to other people – a home fire kills an average of seven people every day.
Sarvey adds, “Fires can happen at any time; they are quick, they are dangerous, and people generally have less than three minutes to escape to safety.” In short, a fire in your home is no joke. Fortunately, Will Sarvey has complied a list of his top ten insights for helping others prepare for the unexpected:
- Smoke Alarms Work – Autumn is the perfect season to check and test your smoke alarms and their batteries. Sarvey encourages, “When you check your smoke alarms, it is always a good idea to swap out the old batteries for new each October.” It is also a good idea to make sure that you have enough smoke alarms in your home, ideally one in each room. They are inexpensive and save lives.
- Check Furnaces and Heating Sources – All heating sources must be inspected, cleaned, and prepared for their intended use; this includes furnaces, space heaters, heating stoves, fireplaces, and boilers. “Common sense is your best defenses when it comes to any heating source or appliance used for heating your home;” Sarvey states, “Replacing filters, cleaning chimneys, and making repairs to worn systems is being good to your home and to yourself.”
- Clean Ovens and Toasters – It may seem simple, but keeping a clean stove, oven, or toaster can keep you and your personal property safe as we head into the colder months. “Kitchen fires can destroy more than your dinner;” Sarvey comments, “Fire blankets cost about $10 and are one of the best additions that you can make to your kitchen.” Typically purchased at hardware stores or online, a fire blanket can be used to extinguish fires that you cannot use water to put out – like grease fires.
- Friendly Fire – We use fire and heat sources to cook, heat our homes, and – in the case of candles and oil lamps – to create a cozy atmosphere in a season when the elements tend to keep us homebound. “There are two types of fire in the insurance industry – friendly fire and hostile fire,” states Sarvey, “You need to remain close to friendly fire, don’t leave the room unattended – friendly fire is a good thing, but you need to give it your undivided attention.”
- Cord Management – Today, more than ever, plugs and outlets are being used for a myriad of electronic devices. “Check your extension cords, power bars, craft nooks, and workbenches for dusty cords or damaged cords,” says Sarvey. Rodents love the taste of electric insulation, always check for damage.
- Candles – Like a fire place or heating stove, candles help make the colder months a bit more bearable; however, it is important to mention that they should never be used without alert supervision. “Accidents happen, candles can get bumped off of their stands, and even slight temperature changes can crack a candle’s holder – when wax and fire meet another flammable substance like wood, carpet, or fabric, bad things happen,” says Sarvey.
- Dryer Vents – A clean dryer vent is the best way to stave off a potential fire hazard and help with the efficiency of your clothes dryer. “Again, cleaning a dryer vent takes a few moments, but it can be the difference between having clean clothes or being left with only the clothes on your back,” Sarvey cautions.
- Fire Balls – In addition to smoke alarms, fire blankets, and fire extinguishers, Fire Balls are chemical fire extinguishers that can be used in the home near fireplaces, heating stoves, in vehicles, or in other spaces where a safe retreat is paramount. Sarvey comments, “In the event of a fire in your home, your first and only priority should be to get yourself and your loved ones to safety.” Fire balls add an additional layer of protection for you to reach safety.
- From the Second Floor – Ask yourself an important question if your bedroom is in an upper floor of your home – how can I escape without injury? “There are several safe solutions to this conundrum;” Sarvey states, “There are fire ladders, escape harnesses, and – on the more expensive side – physical home improvements, like stairways, sprinkler systems, and traditional fire escapes, that can be added to your home.” If your home has multiple levels, it is important to develop a sound plan for making an exit to safety – regardless of where you are in your home.
- The Humble Fire Extinguisher – Fire Extinguishers, like fire blankets, can help provide you and your loved ones with those critical extra seconds that are needed to escape to safety. “Ideally, there would be a fire extinguisher in every room of your home;” Sarvey states, “They are affordable, easy to maintain, and can save your life.” Like smoke detectors, you should have your fire extinguishers checked annually. When the heat is on, they matter!
In the United States, sixty-two percent of home fires deaths result from fires in homes where the smoke detectors were inoperable or where there were none to begin with in the home. “Please be mindful as we move into another Autumn and Winter in North-Central Pennsylvania;” implores Sarvey, “Taking a few simple steps can protect you, your home, and your quality of life.”