Keep Your Home and Your Loved Ones Safe
Accidental fires can happen at any time of the year, but they’re especially dangerous in the summertime. Household electronics and appliances can easily become fire starters under the right conditions, and summer is a great time to make sure you’re doing what you can to keep your home safe.
We’ve asked all of our home services professionals to identify the easiest, most effective steps you can take to prevent your appliances form starting fires in your home. With these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your property safe through the summer and beyond.
Preventing Electrical Fires
Most of your appliances are controlled using electricity. While this makes them very convenient and easy-to-use, it also means that there are a lot of high-power electric currents running inside and around your home through wiring and circuits. When these wires and circuits are damaged, the electricity that usually travels safely through them instead creates sparks, which can electrocute you, cause blackouts, and start fires.
That’s why it’s important to make sure your electrical system is safeguarded. Fortunately, you can protect your families using simple tricks like:
- Covering up unused power outlets
- Keeping power cords safely tucked away where they can’t be stepped on
- Making sure you’re using the right lightbulbs for all fixtures and appliances
- Watching out for any unusual electrical activity
Use Circuit Interrupters
One of the best things you can do to safeguard your electrical system is asking our expert electricians about circuit interrupters. These devices, which come in two distinct types, are designed to stop the production of sparks, preventing electrical shocks and fires.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are specifically designed to prevent fires and are typically installed to protect circuits and internal wiring. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are similar devices used to protect large appliances in your kitchen and bathroom. Ask our electricians to help you find out if these devices are already installed in your home, or which type would be best for you.
Check Your Heater
It may be summer, but you still need to pay a little attention to your heater! Over the fall and winter, your heater put in a lot of hard work to keep your home warm and accumulated a lot of wear and tear in the process. That means that there’s a lot of flammable dirt and dust that’s just waiting to burn up, lurking in an appliance that’s going to get very hot very fast the next time it’s turned on.
So, while you’re cleaning out your air conditioner to prepare for the heat, take some time to get your heater maintained as well. This will not only eliminate a potential fire hazard but ensure that your heater is ready to start working again the minute the temperature starts to drop.
Our technicians can help you make sure your home is protected with complete inspections and maintenance of your home systems. Call (219) 240-0610 today to schedule an appointment!