If you are reading this and you haven’t realized that the cold weather is well and truly on its way, then it’s clear that you are currently out of town! For everybody else, the cold weather has definitely become second nature. And as romantic as winter can be, with everybody cuddling under blankets watching movies and sitting by the fire, if proper care isn’t taken then it can also be a dangerous time of year.

Staying Warm and Safe This Winter

With expert knowledge and experience providing property restoration in Polk County, Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services has some information below to share on how you and your family can stay both safe and warm this cold season.

Fireplace

Let’s start with the most popular, and easily the most enjoyed.

• Ensure your fireplace is professional and thoroughly cleaned before using it again. While out of use, buildup can occur along with external debris, leading to a blocked chimney. Not only is this a health hazard for your family, but can cause serious damage to your house
• As nice as it looks in the movies, Christmas decorations and cards surrounding your fireplace is not a safe idea. Be sure that the fireplace is clear of anything flammable or anything which could fall into the fire.
• Always use a fire guard in front of your fireplace to prevent hot embers and sparks of fire flicking out and causing injury or starting a fire in your home.
• Ensure that each family member knows how to and feels comfortable using your the fire extinguisher. If you can not put out the fire, make sure that everybody knows what they need to do in an emergency.

Space Heater

While nowhere as romantic as a fireplace, a space heater is portable and very effective.

• Never cover a space heater or hang clothes around it. Heat can build up quickly which can easily lead to a fire.
• Make sure the space heater is in an open space and has a flow of air around it. Be sure not to put a space heater next to a wall or close to any furniture.
• Buy a space heater which includes safety shut-off features in the event that it falls over or becomes too hot.
• Never plug your space heater into a power strip. Always use a dedicated socket.

If your home or office has sustained fire, water, or weather damage and you require property restoration in Polk County, talk to a professional to ensure the job is done thoroughly and safely. Call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888 436 3499 (24 hours a day) to request immediate attendance and assessment of your property.

Electric Blanket

Is there a better feeling than getting into a warm bed on a cold night? An electric blanket is definitely the item for the job, just be sure that you use it safely.

• Never sleep with an electric blanket switched on. Always switch it off before you get into the bed.
• Clear your bed of unnecessary blankets and pillows before turning on your electric blanket.
• Never eat or drink in bed with your electric blanket turned on.
• If you are considering using it for a child’s bed and the child is not yet toilet trained, an electric blanket, even turned off during sleep, is not a safe idea. If moisture is absorbed while turned off, the wiring can spark when turned on again.

Ducted Heating

If you are lucky enough to have heating ducts throughout your home, then winter is going to be a very warm time for you. However, the use of such systems can also come with dangers.

• Be sure that any air intake vents are clean and clear of debris and pollutants
• Clean out as much dust as possible from the vents and system before turning it on for the first time.
• If possible, open windows (before it gets too cold) in your home during the first time you turn it on to let any stale air and remaining dust particles out of your home.
• Check the heating unit to ensure there is no damage

Professional Property Restoration in Polk County

In addition to these safety tips, and whichever option you choose, consider installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. In addition to alerting you in the event of a fire, these can also alarm in the case of air pollutants and high carbon monoxide levels. In the event that your property sustains fire damage or damage caused by water or severe weather, speak with a professional instead of attempting to do it yourself. Property restoration in Polk County is serious work and requires expert knowledge and equipment. Call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888 436 3499 to get an immediate assessment of your damage.