46 THE QUEENS COURIER • AT HOME • MARСH 19, 2020 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
Spring Thing
5 Tips for better home safety this spring
As people become more active during
the warmer months, keeping home safety
top of mind can sometimes go by the wayside.
However, when it comes to fi re and
carbon monoxide safety, you can never be
too prepared.
Whether you are just beginning to take
a stronger safety-fi rst approach or looking
to upgrade existing home safety equipment,
keep these tips in mind as you
spruce up your home for the season.
Don’t just check batteries,
check the alarm
It’s a good idea to review your safety
equipment and ensure everything is in
good working order at least a couple times
each year. For example, every type of
smoke alarm must be completely replaced
every 10 years whether it’s hardwired
into your home or operates on a battery.
New smoke alarms commonly come with
built-in 10-year batteries, meaning no
battery changes, but it’s a good idea to test
the units regularly. In fact, most manufacturers
recommend weekly. You can also
use this time to double-check the gauge
on your fi re extinguishers, replace batteries
in fl ashlights, test security systems and
replenish fi rst-aid kits.
Inspect and repair
outdoor areas
Set aside time to evaluate any damage
or potential hazards as the weather
warms. For example, fallen tree branches
and leaves can become trapped in gutters
and pose a fi re hazard. Shutters and fences
can also weaken over time. To make sure
they’re in good working condition, check
that they are securely fastened.
Take advantage of
smart technology
According to the National Fire
Protection Association, 40 years ago people
had an average of 17 minutes to
escape a home fi re, but today the average
has decreased to about 3 minutes due to
synthetic materials used in modern-day
home furnishings. To get the earliest
warning of a home fi re, install wire-free
interconnected battery-powered combination
smoke and carbon monoxide
alarms. When one alarm senses a hazard,
all alarms throughout the home sound in
unison. Features like color-coded status
rings and built-in 10-year sealed batteries
make Kidde’s Wire-Free Interconnected
Alarms a smart solution for optimal protection.
Th ey off er simple setup and operate
without the hassle of hardwiring or a
Wi-Fi connection.
Check appliances
While going through your spring home
safety checklist, take time to check your
appliances or schedule an annual maintenance
check for your stove, oven, heating
system and more. According to the
American Red Cross, dryers are responsible
for approximately 9 of every 10 appliances
fi res. Th ese common household
appliances can collect dust, lint and other
particles, which are potential fi re hazards
and can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
Keep outdoor activities in mind
Cooking on grills is a popular pastime,
but thousands of people are injured
every year while using them. In fact,
according to the National Fire Protection
Association, nearly 9,000 home fi res are
started by grills each year. Now is a good
time to get your home’s grilling area in
tip-top shape. Keep a 3-foot safety zone
around hot grills for children and pets,
and have a multipurpose home fi re extinguisher
nearby as fi res can occur unexpectedly.
Propane and charcoal grills both
put off carbon monoxide as a byproduct,
so be sure keep your grill at least 10
feet from the home and ensure it is positioned
away from windows, doors, vents
and ductwork.
— Courtesy of Family Features
/WWW.QNS.COM
