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Prevent Fire Damage in the Bedroom

By Jonathan Meyer
Published: December 9, 2005

Fires occur in the home often during the night when everyone is asleep. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles.

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets can cause fires if not maintained or used properly.

If you want to use an electric blanket all night long, make sure that the blanket is equipped with thermostatic controls for safe use (a overheat protector will cut the power if the blanket starts to overheat). If your blanket has no thermostatic controls, switch it off before going to sleep.

Store your electric blanket flat to prevent overheating caused by damage to the internal wiring.

Keep electric blankets dry and do not use a hot water bottle together with an electric blanket. However, if the blanket gets wet, dry it thoroughly before switching it on again. Do not fold or roll the electric blanket while it is turned on to prevent heat from building in the wires and igniting.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are crucial as they will give you and your family the extra time necessary to safely escape from a fire.

The main smoke detector should be located between the bedrooms and the rest of the house, but closer to the bedrooms. Remember that closed doors offer partial protection against fire and smoke but can also keep smoke from being detected.

Consider installing a detector in every bedroom if bedroom doors are normally closed at night.

Test and service your detector regularly and make sure it is working properly. If your detector fails to respond in an emergency, you lose your first line of defense.

You may want to follow these steps while testing a detector:

• Remove the detector from ceiling.
• Clean exterior to remove dust.
• Check that the batteries are charged.
• Test the detectors alarm response using approved smoke generator.
• Replace any malfunctioning detectors.

Appliances

Bedrooms are the most common rooms in the home where electrical fires start. Especially during winter, make sure that there are no overloaded outlets and extension cords. Be cautious and do not trap electric cords against walls where heat may build up.

Be extremely careful with portable heaters. Do not place them too close to combustible items. Keep linen, clothes, curtains and other combustible items three feet away from the heater. Be sure to use tested and approved heaters.

Candles and Cigarettes

The main rules are:

• Do not smoke in bed.
• Do not light candles if you are going to sleep.

Cigarettes

Do not smoke in bed. Use a proper ashtray and make sure to put your cigarette out completely.

Candles

Unattended candles or cigarettes are dangerous as they need just a light wind to set a fire. Make sure to keep candles away from curtains, drapes and bedding. Do not use candles as nightlights.

Smart Tips for Fire Damage Prevention in the Bedroom:

• Use an electric blanket all night long only if it is equipped with thermostatic controls.
• Do not fold or roll the electric blanket while it is on. Wires might ignite.
• Install the main smoke detector between the bedrooms and the rest of the house.
• Test and service your detector periodically.
• Do not place heaters too close to combustibles.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Do not light candles if you are going to sleep.

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