We know that your home is your sanctuary — a place of comfort and safety. However, there are silent threats that can disrupt this haven and put you at risk: we’re talking fire and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Did you know that these dangers are two of the most life-threatening emergencies that can occur within a home? They often go unnoticed until it's too late.
To protect your home and loved ones, there are proactive, practical and long-term solutions you can do right now and easily add to your home maintenance routine.
Prevent fire
A small spark can quickly escalate into a devastating fire in a matter of minutes. Faulty wiring, unattended candles, cooking accidents, and malfunctioning appliances are all common causes of house fires. These disasters destroy property and precious possessions, but can also claim lives and cause severe injuries. According to SGI Canada, around 24,000 house fires happen in Canada each year, resulting in almost 380 deaths and countless injuries.
Eliminate risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a leading cause of unintentional poisoning in Canada. It's responsible for more than 300 deaths and 200 hospitalizations each year, as reported by Health Canada.
Often referred to as the "silent killer" because it's odourless and colourless, CO can come from appliances like gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces. The incomplete combustion of fuels, such as gas, oil, and wood, creates this gas. Unfortunately, the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu-like symptoms. This makes it easy to mistake it for something less life-threatening.
Discover long-term solutions
Changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO alarms every six months is a crucial step. But batteries are just the beginning in ensuring long-term safety for your home and loved ones. Consider these proactive solutions:
- Hard-wired detectors: While battery-operated detectors are a start, hard-wired detectors installed by a Rümi professional offer enhanced protection. These units are directly connected to your home's electrical system and have battery backups. They provide constant monitoring and ensure that your alarms are always working.
- Regular appliance checks: Schedule regular inspections of your home's appliances and heating systems. Faulty or outdated appliances can increase the risk of fires and CO leaks. A professional service can identify potential issues and help you address them before they escalate.
- CO detectors in key areas: Carbon Monoxide is slightly lighter than air, which means it tends to rise. Install CO detectors on each floor of your home, specifically in sleeping areas and near appliances that emit CO, such as gas-burning stoves and water heaters.
- Educate your family: Make sure your family understands fire safety and CO poisoning. It's important to teach young children what to do if there's an emergency, like recognizing alarm sounds and knowing what comes next if they hear them. Making an evacuation plan for your family in case of a fire is also a good idea, and it will leave you with peace of mind that your household is ready for unexpected situations.
- Proactive maintenance: Regularly maintain your home's heating systems, fireplaces, chimneys, and gas appliances. Clear away lint, debris, and dust that accumulates and creates more fire and CO risks.
- Fire damage restoration plan: In the unfortunate event of a fire, having a fire damage restoration plan can save you time, money, and stress. Identifying reputable restoration companies, like Rümi’s Restoration Experts, can help you quickly recover and rebuild.
Be Rümi ready!
It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your home and family's well-being. That's why booking professional services ahead of time can go a long way in preventing fire and CO poisoning.
Here are the many ways Rümi is ready to lend a hand in protecting you and your home:
- Hard-wiring detectors: If you haven't already, consider hiring a professional electrician to hard-wire your smoke detectors and CO alarms. Even with hard wiring, we recommend replacing your detectors with new models every 7 to 10 years. This investment ensures consistent protection and reduces the risk of alarms failing because of dead batteries and old technology.
- Appliance and home inspections: Hiring one of our trained Rümi technicians to inspect your appliances will help to identify any potential issues before they happen. They'll offer recommendations for repairs or replacements if needed, minimizing the risk of fire and CO leaks.
- Fire damage restoration: In the aftermath of a fire, our IICRI-qualified technicians are ready 24/7 with remediation services. They will assess the extent of damage, clean up the debris, and restore your home to its pre-fire condition. Having a restoration plan in place can streamline the recovery process and ease your stress during a challenging time.
Protect your home & family from smoke & carbon monoxide
Protecting your home and family from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning requires more than changing batteries every six months. It's important to take proactive steps, like investing in hard-wired detectors, conducting regular appliance checks, and educating your family on safety measures. Don't wait until disaster strikes. Act now with the help of our Rümi experts and have peace of mind knowing you're protecting your family and home.
