Certain systems in the home pose an inherent risk, but these same systems are a necessary part of life. Having a home safety plan in place lowers the risk of hazards, as does engaging in annual service for fuel-burning equipment. If you’ve never taken the time to develop a home safety plan, make 2013 the year you make it a priority.

An effective and comprehensive home safety plan should take the following factors into consideration:

Electrical components

  • Check the condition of wires. Electrical lines are safely housed inside of the cord. However, damaged or frayed cords pose a safety hazard, particularly for curious children, but even conscientious adults can inadvertently expose themselves to a shock when cords are compromised. If you identify dangerous electrical cords, replace them and/or the equipment.
  • Don’t overload outlets. Doing so can eventually cause the circuit to fail and produce a spark that can lead to a fire.

Chemicals

  • Check the home for flammable materials. These should be stored safely away from any fuel sources and sealed tightly to avoid spillage. The area in which you store them should also be well ventilated to prevent poor indoor air quality and health hazards.
  • Consider heat sources. Never store combustible chemicals nearby them.

Fire hazards

  • Clear the home of materials that can start a fire. If you’re storing mattresses, papers or furniture that you don’t need, get rid of them to reduce the risk of fire in your home.
  • Identify hazards. Look around gas and electrical appliances, and clear away potential hazards around them, such as paper goods, clothing or rags.
  • Maintain home systems. Servicing HVAC systems annually ensures that the chimney, venting, fuel connections and flue don’t pose a fire hazard.
  • Use common sense. Make sure all family members know and practice fire safety, such as keeping lit candles away from flammable materials.

If you’d like professional assistance evaluating your home safety plan, or to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC equipment, contact Stack Heating & Cooling today! We serve Northeast Ohio homeowners with quality HVAC maintenance plans, installations and repairs, as well as indoor air quality solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home safety and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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