Is Your Radiator A Fire Hazard?

Dec. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom - Radiators keep our homes and apartments warm even in the dead of winter. However, radiators can also become fire hazards in our homes when we do not observe the proper way of fitting and using them. (http://www.chromeradiators.net)

Heating appliances are recognized as one of the major causes of fires in homes. To prevent your home radiators from becoming fire hazards, here are some fire safety and prevention tips you should observe.

1.  If you are using an electric radiator, make sure the wire and plug are in good order, with no exposed wires or frays on the cord. If you find any damage on the cord or outlet, have it fixed  immediately by a licensed electrician.

2.  Do not overload the power outlet. Avoid using multiple extension cords that share your radiator’s outlet with the other appliances in your home. This can cause a short circuit, which is one of the most common causes of fires in homes.


3.  Switch off the radiator when it is not in use. This helps conserve power and will also ensure that fires don’t start from appliances that are left running by themselves for far too long.


4.  When installing a new radiator, make sure to ask a qualified technician to do it for you to prevent serious installation errors.

5.  Choose the right kind of radiators for your building’s heating system. Using the appropriate radiator will make it easier to install and will reduce problems with incompatibility down the road.


6.  Make sure your radiator is installed only in the approved zones of your home. 


7.  Use radiator covers that are made specifically for radiators. Some materials can light up when they come into contact with hot objects. Radiator covers are made from fabrics that can withstand  the heat coming from your radiators without combusting.


8.  Do not put drapes and curtains where they can be blown towards your radiator.

9.  Do not put anything flammable within 3 feet of your radiator.


10.  Do not put your radiator behind furnitures that can obstruct it like sofas or cabinets.


11.  Have your radiator serviced once a year by a licensed technician to keep it in good working order and to head off any possible problems with your radiator


12.  If you have young kids and pets, install a gate to create a perimeter around your radiator. This will keep them from leaving things that may be flammable near the radiator.  

13.  Keep a fire extinguisher inside the house.

By observing these tips, we can come to enjoy a warm home that is safe and far from fires caused by misuse and carelessness.

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Stylish, functional and timeless, chrome radiators are modern masterpieces you would love to have in your home. At ChromeRadiators.net, learn how to choose, care for and maintain your home heating radiators.