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Space Heaters Safely
Although space heaters are a great way to warm your home during the cold winter months , they can also present serious home fire hazards . According to the National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ), space heaters are involved in 79 percent of fatal home heating fires .
To ensure that your home is both safe and warm this winter , keep these space heater safety tips in mind :
• Only purchase space heaters that have a mark from a reputable certification agency , such as Underwriters Laboratories ( UL ).
• Check for safety features when you ’ re purchasing a heater — such as an automatic shutoff and heating element guards .
• Check your space heater ’ s cords before you use it to ensure that it doesn ’ t cause an electrical fire .
• Never use space heaters to warm bedding , or place them near any flammable materials .
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• Turn off space heaters whenever you leave the room or go to sleep .
• Pay extra attention to children and pets when they ’ re around space heaters .
• Don ’ t place heaters in congested or high-traffic areas of your home . Additionally , make sure that cords don ’ t present a tripping hazard .
What to Look for When Buying a Used Vehicle
Buying a used vehicle can be a great and inexpensive way to get on the road . However , you need to be extra careful when buying a used vehicle to ensure that it ’ s safe and in good condition .
Here are some things you should always check before you buy a used vehicle :
• Look for any wear or scratches around the vehicle ’ s dashboard . This could be a sign that the odometer has been tampered with .
• View the vehicle from all angles — including from the ground — to check for wear and tear .
• Check for a damp or moldy smell in the vehicle ’ s interior . This could be a sign of water damage .
• Take the vehicle on a test drive to see how well it performs . Also , pay attention to any clanking or grinding noises that could indicate damage .
National Radon Action Month
The Environment Protection Agency ( EPA ) designates every January as National Radon Action Month in order to make everyone aware of the dangers of radon . This colorless and odorless gas is difficult to detect and is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers .
Although radon can make its way into any environment or building , the largest exposure area is your home . Luckily , there are two common and inexpensive tests you can use to test your home for radon . A shortterm test , which stays in your home for two to 90 days , can be a great way to get a quick idea of your home ’ s radon levels . However , if you want to get a better idea of your home ’ s levels , you can also purchase a long-term test .
If you ’ re concerned about radon or other dangerous gases in your home , contact us at 800-724-0695 .
• Ask a salesperson to see under the vehicle ’ s front hood . Additionally , you should ask if the vehicle has a printed history report , so you can see if it ’ s been in any accidents or had serious maintenance done .