Ways To Protect Your Home From Fire This Winter

By Author: Sophia.Booth
Total Articles: 22
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When it starts to get chilly outside in the evening on a winter day, but not quite cold enough to crank up the central heating, many people turn on space heaters or fire up the hearth. While that can definitely make your home nice and cozy, it can also become a fire hazard if the devices are not used properly.

Almost 85% of fire-related deaths occur in the home, and most of them can be easily prevented. It's important to take some simple steps to prevent a fire in your home this winter. Here are some ways you can protect your home and family this winter season.

1-Don't Barbecue Indoors

For those households who do not have central heating, bringing the grill inside and lighting up the charcoal may seem like a good solution to combat the cold, however it is a very bad idea because carbon monoxide from the charcoal can be very poisonous to your family.

2-Strategically Place Smoke Detectors

Place smoke alarms high on the wall or ceiling, and place one outside of each bedroom. Make sure they have fresh batteries and are tested often. Carbon monoxide alarms are also a good idea. Place them low and ...
... test them often, as well.

3- Turn The Dryer Off

Before you leave the house or go to bed, make sure you turn off the dryer. If your dryer malfunctions when you are not around, the clothes could catch on fire and flames could spread within minutes.

4-Clean Out Your Closet

12% of house fires start in the closet. This is in part due exposed lightbulbs coming in contact with clothes or boxes. If you have a skylight in your closet, the sun itself can scorch your clothing, so cover the light with ultraviolet film.

5-Update Your Space Heaters

If you don't want to use central heat, or you decide to supplement it with space heaters instead, make sure your heaters have proper safety features. This should include an automatic shut-off when it tips over, a cool-to-the-touch surface, and a cord that is in perfect condition. Older heaters can burn anyone who touches the casing that surrounds it, and even newer ones can be dangerous if not used properly. It is important to keep it away from water and make sure to turn it off when leaving a room.

Vornado® Heaters

Vornado® heaters are different from traditional space heaters. They don't just heat the space directly in front of them, they use Vornado's signature Vortex Technology to quietly create swirling, deep-penetrating currents that disburse heat evenly throughout the room. A Vornado electric heater can warm the entire room in minutes!

For maximum safety from house fires this winter, choose the Vornado heater that was ranked Top Safety Pick by Good Housekeeping Research Institute. The Vornado Vortex Heater VH2 features a simple to use turn-dial control knob. Simply heat the room to a comfortable level and then turn the dial back until the heater shuts off. The Vortex Heater will maintain the same temperature within 3 to 4 degrees. Safety features include automatic tip-over protection, cool touch cabinet, automatic over-heat system, and tight grill spirals to keep even the smallest fingers out of harm's way. For more information on Vornado heaters and their dynamic catalog of air circulators, fans, heaters, humidifiers, and filters, go to www.vornadocentral.com.

Lindsey Schroeder Vornado - VornadoCentral.com heaters -Prevent Your Home From Fire This Winter.