Home Safety this Fall in Colorado

Fall is the perfect time to spruce up your home and at the same time keep it safe and secure.  Your residential specialists in the Denver North Metro Area,  Jeffrey Harmes and The Harmes Team, came up with the most important precautionary measures and guidelines on home safety this fall in Colorado. 

As the weather gets cooler we will be turning on the furnace for the first time in months so a check-up is necessary. Check the furnace to make sure that it is in good working condition by turning it on before the temperatures really get cold so you can ensure it works, or contact a technician to inspect that it’s operating properly if you are unsure of anything. Always keep flammable materials away from the furnace; this includes paint products, clothing, blankets, any toxic materials, and boxes.  

If you have a fireplace make sure to inspect the chimney clear it of debris, creosote buildup, and while you are up there make sure the bricks, mortar and liner are all in good working condition. The space around the fireplace should be free from all flammable things also.  All heating appliances must be well ventilated particularly, space heaters. If you use a portable or space heater, keep it away from bedding, drapery, and furniture. Remember to shut them off if you leave the house and don’t leave them unattended if you have children or pets. Falling back is a great reminder to check the smoke detectors, it is important to test all the carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and have a family fire plan. Remember to replace all batteries and expired fire extinguishers. 

One of the most important things we need to be cautious about this fall is Carbon Monoxide.  It is a lethal gas that is colorless, odorless and flammable. It is present throughout the year, but since during the cooler seasons, we use our space heaters and fireplaces more, we should all take the necessary precautions to keep our families and our homes safe.  Carbon Monoxide detectors should also be installed on every level of the home to warn the homeowners if the density of the Carbon Monoxide is rising.  Once the density of Carbon Monoxide in the air is high, it can be dangerous to our health and lives.  We should all be aware of the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and must know what to do when we spot these symptoms for our safety. 

Outside your home, the leaves are piling up and we have a couple of ideas on how to get rid of them. Mulch or compost them, or simply rake and bag them for picking up.  Jeffrey Harmes and The Harmes Team does not recommend burning the leaves as burning leaves can be blown by the wind and may cause fire in the nearby areas. Before burning please check with your local fire department it might be illegal in your area. Prune the trees and bushes but always look up first and do a quick check for any power lines in the way. If there are any branches too close to the power lines do not attempt to trim those instead call your local energy provider and they will do it for you free of charge!  

Read tips on home safety this fall, to keep our lovely homes secure this fall. 

Remember, when you think Real Estate, THINK of THE HARMES TEAM!

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