Fireproofing your home prior to vacation
Posted Aug 5, 2014 01:40:54 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Fire officials are reminding the public to make sure your home is fireproof before you head off on vacation.
That includes unplugging all of your unnecessary devices like TV’s and hair dryers and ensuring
“If there is some sort of a storm with lightning strikes, of course anything you have plugged in is at risk of shorting out” says Kitchener Fire Platoon Chief, Doug Voisin. “And it can damage your appliance, or start a fire.”
This past weekend, a home in Northeast Kitchener home suffered $25,000 in damage after a fire started in the home.
Officials say the blaze broke out after the family put on the dishwasher prior to vacation. What the family didn’t know was that several items were stuck underneath, which caused the machine to overheat and catch on fire.
“If you know you’re going to be leaving for a longer period of time” adds Voisin. “It’s a good idea to unplug any unncessary electrical appliances like TV’s, DVD’s, computers. There’s no need to take that risk if you’re not at home.”
Voisin also adds that it’s a good idea as a family to do a thorough walk-through of the home prior to leaving for vacation.
