October 6th-12th is national fire safety week. Fire prevention week was created to commensurate the 1871 Chicago Fire that killed more than 250 people according to NFPA.ORG. This can be a reminder for homeowners to make sure their fire and carbon monoxide detectors are working, service their furnaces, clean their clothes dryer vent, and talk to their family about what to do if there is a fire in their home.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Hundreds of people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands are killed and injured from household fires. Homes need both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. As of 2010, Madison, WI homes need to have smoke detectors in every bedroom and sleeping area and every level of their home and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of their homes. Smoke detectors need to be hard wired or have 10 year lithium batteries.
Furnace Maintenance and Safety
October is a great month to get your furnace serviced and change the filter. Homeowners will prolong the life of their furnace if they regularly get it checked and serviced. I recommend getting it serviced every two to three years if it is a new unit. For older units it is a good idea to get your furnace serviced every year to make sure you get the most out of your furnace. Homeowners need to make sure to change the filter as well, changing the filter will prolong the life of the furnace and also save you money.
Clothes Dryers
Homeowners need to make sure that they clean their lint traps after every load. At least once a year homeowners need to make sure that the venting system that goes outside is clean and clear. It is also a good idea to make sure the exterior vent has a protective cover to keep rodents or insects out.
Kitchens
Most fires in the home start in the kitchen. Homeowners need to make sure that they always have working fire extinguishers easily accessible in the kitchen. Fire extinguishers need to be shaken every four to six months to mix the chemicals and need to be replaced every few years to ensure the extinguisher is in full working order. If a homeowner buys a commercial grade fire extinguisher they can be serviced every year instead of replaced. When trying to extinguish a fire aim at the base of the fire. If a homeowner does not own a fire extinguisher they can try to put out grease fires using baking soda or salt, never use water which will spread the fire. If the fire is contained to a pain, microwave, or oven try to close it off to not allow any oxygen in to stifle the fire. Fires can only survive with oxygen present. If you are unable to stop the fire leave the home and call 911. None of your things in your home, or your home is worth your life!
Have a Plan
It is always important to talk to your family yearly about what to do in case there is a fire. Teach your children about fire safety. Have an exit plan. Have a meeting place outside of the home to meet each other to ensure everyone got out safely.
Fire Station Open Houses This Weekend
Monona Fire Department Open House October 13th 12pm
5211 Schluter
Sun Prairie Fire Department Open House October 13th 8am-1pm
135 N Bristol
If you’re in the market to buy or sell your Madison, WI home, contact Laurel at (608)732-0639