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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Fire Safety Requirements for Your Home's Bedrooms

Though fires in the home are relatively rare, they can cause extensive damage to your property and put your family at risk. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risks posed by bedroom fires. In this blog post, we'll cover some of the most important fire safety requirements for bedrooms in your home.

Though fires in the home are relatively rare, they can cause extensive damage to your property and put your family at risk. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risks posed by bedroom fires. In this blog post, we'll cover some of the most important fire safety requirements for bedrooms in your home.

Smoke Alarms

One of the most important things you can do to prevent bedroom fires is to install smoke alarms. Smoke alarms give you an early warning in the event of a fire, giving you and your family time to escape. It's important to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, as well as in hallways leading to bedrooms. In addition, you should test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

Fire Extinguishers

Another key element of fire safety in the bedroom is having a fire extinguisher on hand. Fire extinguishers can be used to put out small fires before they have a chance to spread. It's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in each bedroom, as well as in common areas like the kitchen and living room. Be sure to familiarize yourself with how to use a fire extinguisher before you need it!

Escape Plans

In the event of a fire, it's important to have an escape plan. You should practice your escape plan with your family so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Your escape plan should include at least two ways out of each room, as well as a designated meeting place outside of the home. Review your escape plan regularly and update it as necessary.

Quick Escape Route

Large windows are an important feature in bedrooms, particularly for fire safety. They make it easier for people to escape during an emergency situation, especially when it comes to basement bedrooms. When faced with a window well replacement or upgrade project, homeowners should think carefully about the benefits of installing large windows and window wells in their basement rooms, as they can ultimately help save lives in the case of a fire.

By taking some simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks posed by fires in the home. Be sure to install smoke alarms in every bedroom and test them monthly. In addition, keep a fire extinguisher on hand and familiarize yourself with how to use it. Finally, create an escape plan and quick escape route and practice it with your family regularly. By following these tips, you can help keep your family safe from harm in the event of a fire.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Are Propane Tanks Dangerous to Store at Home

The majority of people have some type of propane tank at home—whether it is a small tank for grilling or camping or a large tank for cooking and heating your house. That said, many people are still concerned about the possible dangers of having propane tanks around their homes. After all, propane is a highly flammable gas. The good news is that the chance of your propane tank catching fire or exploding is extremely small. However, it is still important that you follow these safety tips to ensure you are storing your propane tanks properly.

The majority of people have some type of propane tank at home—whether it is a small tank for grilling or camping or a large tank for cooking and heating your house. That said, many people are still concerned about the possible dangers of having propane tanks around their homes. After all, propane is a highly flammable gas. The good news is that the chance of your propane tank catching fire or exploding is extremely small. However, it is still important that you follow these safety tips to ensure you are storing your propane tanks properly.

Never Store Propane In Your House or an Enclosed Structure

The biggest thing to remember is that propane should never, ever be stored inside your home or any other enclosed structure. This includes your basement, garage, shed, etc. The chance of the tank exploding is small, but if it were to happen, it would cause a huge amount of damage that could potentially destroy the building.

Keep Your Tank Stored In a Cool Place

When choosing where to store your tank, it is always best to opt for a cooler place that is out of direct sunlight if possible. For larger household tanks, you could consider building a small roof over the top of the tank to prevent it from being exposed to direct sunlight. This also helps by limiting the amount of rain and snow the tank will be exposed to as moisture can cause the tank to deteriorate and shorten its lifespan. The main rule of thumb is that your tank should never be exposed to temperatures below -40 degrees or above 120 Fahrenheit.

Regularly Inspect Your Tank for Leaks

If you haven't used your propane tank for some time, you should always inspect it before using it again. This means visually inspecting the entire tank and the valve to make sure nothing is damaged. You should also use soapy water to make sure the valve isn't leaking. If you see any bubbles, this indicates that the tank is leaking. If your tank is leaking, it is important not to try to repair it or dispose of it yourself. Instead, you should call a propane company like Yavapai Bottle Gas to dispose of the tank for you.

If you have a large household tank, you usually don't have to worry about inspecting it. This is because the company that fills your tank should check it every time they come to refill it.

Keep Your Tank Away from Open Flames

Storing your tank next to your grill while it is in use is fine. Other than that, you should never have any type of open flame near the tank. When camping, you should keep your tank some distance from your campfire or any other fire source. You should also never smoke near a propane tank or use any tools that could create sparks.

Propane tanks are generally not dangerous. As long as you follow these tips and make sure to store your tank safely, you should have nothing to worry about.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

How To Increase The Safety Of Your Kids Playing In The Yard This Summer

Now that your kids are out of school, chances are your yard will be one place where they will spend lots of time playing with their friends. While it's great they will be sticking close to home where you can keep an eye on them, you also need to be aware that there are certain things you can do to make your yard a safe place to play. To increase your yard's safety and ensure your kids aren't making a trip to the ER, here are some things you can do as summer begins.

Now that your kids are out of school, chances are your yard will be one place where they will spend lots of time playing with their friends. While it's great they will be sticking close to home where you can keep an eye on them, you also need to be aware that there are certain things you can do to make your yard a safe place to play. To increase your yard's safety and ensure your kids aren't making a trip to the ER, here are some things you can do as summer begins.

Inspect Outdoor Play Structures

If your kids have a clubhouse, tree fort, playhouse, or other outdoor play structure in your yard, make sure you regularly inspect it for potential hazards. In warm weather, you should be on the lookout for signs of bee nests. After all, not only do bee stings hurt, but they can also be life-threatening if your kids are allergic to bee stings. If you notice signs of bee nests, get rid of them right away.

Install Fencing

Should you have small children who like to play outside, consider installing fencing that has self-latching and self-closing gates. If you don't want to install fencing, lattice screening can also be very effective at keeping your kids reigned in where you know they are safe. Remember, it only takes a split second for a child to disappear from a yard.

Get Rid of Poisonous Plants

While older kids likely won't eat plants or flowers, toddlers sometimes make this mistake. Unfortunately, many plants and flowers can be toxic if eaten. To prevent an accident or potential tragedy, rid your yard of any plants or flowers that may be toxic to humans if eaten. Even after doing so, it's also smart to keep the Poison Control Center phone number on speed dial as an added precaution.

Secure Your Swimming Pool

Along with running around in the yard, your kids will also want to take a dip in the pool now and then. Because of this, it is always a good idea to secure the area around your pool. For example, keep doors and gates leading to the pool locked, and consider adding door and window sensors. Also, keep your pool covered when not in use, and always make sure younger kids have older children or adults with them at all times when playing in the pool.

If you implement these tips, your backyard will be one of the safest places your kids and their friends can be when playing during the summer.

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

5 Important Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Professionally Cleaned

Most people know to clean out their lint screens. After you run a load of laundry, lint and other debris will get caught in the filter located on top of your unit or inside the door. Dryer screens must be kept clear to avoid risks related to dryer fires. However, some people forget that dryer vents must also be cleaned. A professional can help with older dryers and dryers that produce excess lint, as some units require disassembly for thorough cleaning. Read on for five reasons to have your dryer vent cleaned by a professional.

We partnered with a cleaning company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Most people know to clean out their lint screens. After you run a load of laundry, lint and other debris will get caught in the filter located on top of your unit or inside the door. Dryer screens must be kept clear to avoid risks related to dryer fires. However, some people forget that dryer vents must also be cleaned. A professional can help with older dryers and dryers that produce excess lint, as some units require disassembly for thorough cleaning. We collaborated with Dryer Vent Professionals of San Diego to discover why it's essential to have your dryer cleaned by professionals. Read on for five reasons to have your dryer vent cleaned by a professional.

Reduced Fire Hazard

It is estimated by the U.S. Fire Administration that about 15,000 home fires could be avoided per year with proper dryer vent cleaning. Lint is made of fabric fibers that are lifted off of the clothes and other laundry in the washing machine. In the dryer, the water is removed, and the lint is generated by friction. Lint is extremely flammable, and buildup is risky. A fire can cause serious damage and spread quickly from your dryer to other parts of your home. Many dryers require professional assistance for thorough cleaning that can afford homeowners peace of mind. If you notice a burning odor or your laundry feels excessively hot when you take it out of the dryer, it might be time to have your vents cleaned.

Longer Dryer Lifespan 

Wear and tear and lint buildup can cause a dryer to stop working properly. Many owners may think the dryer is broken and needs to be replaced, when really it just needs a professional dryer vent cleaning. The more lint that builds up, the harder your dryer has to work to dry your laundry. Considering dryers are not cheap, having your vent cleaned regularly can ultimately save you money and keep your dryer going longer. 

Improved Efficiency

When your dryer vent is clogged, it has to run longer to dry clothes, blankets, sheets, towels, and all of the other things you regularly run through your washing machine. If the dryer takes longer to get your laundry dry, it is using more energy. This can add significantly to your energy bill over time. In fact, it is estimated that the average dryer will use at least $0.75 worth of electricity during a standard cycle. A dirty, clogged dryer vent can take two or three cycles to dry your laundry, meaning it may be doubling or tripling your bill and your carbon emissions. If your utility bills are rising, it may be time to call a professional dry vent cleaning service

Elimination of Mold and Allergens

Your dryer’s job is to eliminate moisture from your laundry. If the vent is clogged, the damp lint in the vent allows allergens and mold to grow, as the dryer cannot function optimally. Humidity that lingers in basements and laundry rooms can then lead to mold growth in the walls and other parts of the house. A clogged dryer vent can even attract a variety of pests into your home, such as rodents, and can give way to an ideal environment for pest breeding. If you notice an increase in pests around your dryer or dryer vent, you may want to reach out to a local dryer vent cleaning service to check out your vent. 

Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Poor Air Quality

For gas dryers, a clogged dryer vent will not allow exhaust fumes to vent out of the house as they are supposed to. Carbon monoxide can then build up inside the home, which creates a fatal risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is always best to be safe and work with a dryer vent cleaning service to ensure your dryer is in optimal condition and your home is protected against carbon monoxide. A clean dryer vent can improve the air quality in your home overall. Dirt and dust collect in air ducts and vents throughout buildings and lead to poor air quality. Keeping your dryer vent clean will help prevent contaminants from recirculating throughout your home.

In Conclusion

There are lots of benefits to keeping your dryer vent clean. Your dryer is an appliance that needs regular maintenance, just like most others in your home. A clogged dryer vent can pose a major safety hazard, so consult with a local dryer vent cleaning professional about when to have yours cleaned. 

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