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Beware of Space Heaters!
Every winter, we receive calls from homeowners facing damage that started with something small: A space heater left too close to a sofa, an extension cord that overheated, or a unit that was forgotten when someone stepped out of the room “for just a minute.” Space heaters are helpful, especially in drafty rooms or older homes, but they require a little extra attention to use safely. Since we’re often the ones who see the aftermath, we want to share a few simple habits that can make a big difference. Start with placement. A heater should sit on a flat, solid surface, never on a rug or a stack of anything soft. Give it breathing room. Three feet of space on all sides is a good rule of thumb. That buffer keeps blankets, curtains, clothing, and furniture well out of reach if the unit shifts or tips. Next, plug the heater directly into the wall. Space heaters pull more power than many people realize, and extension cords don’t always handle the load well. We’ve seen cords melt into carpet or spark against baseboards, and the damage can spread before anyone notices. A dedicated outlet is the safest choice. If your heater’s plug or cord ever feels warm, unplug it and have it checked. Many modern heaters come with tip-over protection and automatic shut-off features. These are worth paying for. If your heater doesn’t have them, consider upgrading. Supervision matters more than anything else. A space heater should never be left running in an empty room. If you leave the house, or even head to another floor, turn it off. The same goes for bedtime. Warm up the room before you sleep, then switch the heater off. One last habit: Keep the heater clean. Dust buildup can cause a unit to run hotter than it should. Used with care, a space heater is a reliable tool for staying comfortable through winter. Our goal is to help you avoid the situations that bring restoration crews to your door. A few simple precautions can protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind when the temperatures drop. But if the unthinkable does happen, do the right thing and don’t delay calling your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Cluttered Closets!
If there’s one thing we hear from homeowners repeatedly, it’s this: “My closets are a disaster, and I’m scared to open the door.” You’re not alone. Closets have a way of swallowing things whole—jackets you forgot you owned, stray holiday decorations, shopping bags, orphan gloves, and the mysterious objects that somehow migrate to the back corner. But with a little structure, your closets can turn from chaotic catch-alls into some of the most efficient spaces in your home. The first step is simple, though not always easy: Take everything out. Emptying a closet forces you to see what you have. Most people find duplicates of items they haven’t used in years. Once everything is out on the bed or floor, sort it into three groups—keep, donate, and toss. Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t worn it, used it, or even remembered it existed in two years, it probably doesn’t need to go back in. Now that you’ve edited down your items, think about the way you use the closet. A coat closet should hold coats, shoes, and weather gear—not board games and craft supplies. A bedroom closet should make getting dressed easier, not harder. Vertical space is your best friend. Many closets have plenty of height but limited shelving. Adding a second hanging rod, a stackable shelf, or a set of labeled bins can make an ordinary closet feel twice as large. Clear containers are ideal because you can see what’s inside without opening each one. For small items—belts, gloves, sewing kits—use shallow baskets or drawer inserts. Think about the “prime zone.” Anything you reach for weekly should be within reach of your shoulders and knees. Seasonal items, rarely used decorations, or keepsakes can be moved higher or lower. This keeps the space you touch most clutter-free. Once everything has its place, take a quick photo of the finished closet. It sounds odd, but having a snapshot helps you keep it that way. When things start slipping out of order, the photo becomes a gentle reminder of what “organized” looks like. And when you have the closets all organized, take a close look at your carpet and floors. Do they need some attention next? If so, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Electrical Fire Hazards!
As temperatures drop and winter settles in, homes across the country experience a noticeable increase in electricity use. Space heaters hum in the corners, holiday lights twinkle on rooftops, and electric blankets offer comfort against the chill. Yet this increased demand can also bring a hidden danger: The risk of electrical fires. Power demand rises with the cold Winter months often bring a surge in electrical consumption as people try to stay warm and cozy. Heating systems, portable space heaters, and heated appliances run for longer hours, while shorter daylight hours lead to more lighting use. According to fire safety experts, this seasonal spike in power demand puts extra stress on electrical systems—especially in older homes with outdated wiring or overloaded circuits. Plugging too many high-wattage devices into a single outlet or extension cord can easily cause overheating, which may lead to fires. Appliances that need extra caution Some appliances are notorious for their fire risk if misused or left unattended. Space heaters top the list. They should always be kept at least three feet away from anything flammable—such as bedding, curtains, or furniture—and turned off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Electric blankets and heating pads, while comforting, should never be folded or used with extension cords, as this can damage their internal wiring. Hair dryers, curling irons, and other bathroom devices also deserve attention—especially around moisture, which can increase the risk of short circuits. Kitchen appliances also play a significant role. During the holiday season, many fires start when cooking appliances, such as toasters, air fryers, or electric griddles, are left plugged in or used near flammable materials. Simple safety habits Preventing electrical fires starts with awareness and routine checks. Regularly inspect cords, plugs, and outlets for damage, and replace any that show signs of wear and tear. Avoid running cords under rugs or furniture, where they can overheat unnoticed. If circuit breakers trip often, it may be a sign of overload—don’t ignore it. Hire a qualified electrician to inspect your system and ensure it can safely handle your household’s needs. If something does happen in your home and a fire does occur, you will need help with the restoration process. Call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Seasonal Stains!
When family and friends get together, it’s a wonderful time—right up until gravy hits the white carpet or the house smells like last night’s fish fry. Don’t panic. With a calm approach and a few household standbys, you can turn near-disasters into non-events. Use these quick fixes to keep your home (and your sanity) intact.
Always read care labels before using hot water or oxygen bleach, test products on an inconspicuous area, and work from the edges of a stain toward the center to keep it from spreading. With these basics in your back pocket, you’ll spend less time firefighting and more time actually enjoying family and friends—even if they are the ones to turn your white carpet into something else! But when that happens, do the right thing when you can’t remove a spot or stain yourself. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Early-Winter Pipe Bursts
A deep freeze doesn’t just threaten old, exposed pipes. It targets the quiet weak spots you rarely think about—tiny drafts under sinks, lines hidden in exterior walls, or pipes running through garages, attics, and crawl spaces. A little prep now can save you from a flooded home. Start with air, not water. Cold air sneaks in where pipes live … through rim joists, hose-bib penetrations, dryer vents, cable/utility holes, and basement band boards. Seal gaps with exterior-rated caulk or low-expansion foam. Add pipe insulation where you can reach it. Don’t forget the short runs to outdoor kitchens, hose bibs, and whole-house humidifiers. Exercise every valve. Stuck valves turn a drip into a disaster. Find and label the main shutoff, then spin it fully closed and open to be sure it works. Do the same for fixture stops under sinks and behind toilets. If a valve weeps or won’t turn, replace it now—not at 2 a.m. in a freeze. Upgrade a few small parts. Swap old rubber washing machine hoses for stainless braided ones. Install anti-siphon frost-free hose bibs (or check that your existing ones drain properly after you remove hoses). If you get banging pipes, add water-hammer arrestors—pressure spikes can rupture weak joints. Heat where it matters. Pipes in garages, attics, crawl spaces, and under kitchen sinks are frequent burst sites, so add heat cable with a thermostat. Think about appliances—and “hidden” lines. High-efficiency furnace condensate lines and tankless water heaters have freeze-protection modes; confirm they’re enabled and that drains aren’t exposed to outside air. Icemaker and dishwasher supply in exterior walls are common freeze points. Add early warning. Install a few smart leak detectors (under sinks, near water heaters, in basements). A frozen pipe often announces itself as a small overnight puddle before it bursts. Consider a smart main shutoff if you travel; it can auto close on high flow or at a tap. Prepare a mini repair kit. Keep pipe insulation, self-fusing silicone tape, a repair clamp, and two push-fit couplings (plus a short length of pipe) on hand. If a line weeps, you can stabilize it fast while waiting for a pro. But if the unthinkable occurs and you need professional restoration services, do the right thing and call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Patio Grime!
Have you ever glanced down and seen the green film on your pavers, the grease shadows under the grill, and the chalky haze on the furniture? Patio grime isn’t just ugly; it’s slippery, stubborn, and perfectly timed to crash your gatherings. Here’s how to beat it—DIY style—without wrecking your surfaces or your weekend. Start with a smart sweep. Dry debris acts like sandpaper when you wash, so brush leaves, grit, and cobwebs off concrete, pavers, and railings. Move furniture onto a tarp, then pre-rinse everything with a garden hose to spot what you’re honestly dealing with: Algae (green), mildew (black specks), rust (orange), and plain old grease. Match the cleaner to the material. For everyday dirt on concrete or pavers, mix a bucket of warm water with a squirt of dish soap and a cup of oxygen bleach, such as sodium percarbonate. It’s color-safe, plant-friendly, and great for organic surfaces. For wood or composite decks, use a deck-specific cleaner and a soft brush—avoid using stiff bristles that can raise the grain. For metal and plastic furniture, the dish soap mix usually wins; follow with a white vinegar rinse to cut water spots. Cushion covers? Check the tags first; many require a gentle cycle with cold water and an extra rinse. If they’re not removable, sponge clean with the soapy mixture and air-dry thoroughly before storing. Clean, clean, clean, rinse, rinse, rinse, and inspect. After drying, spend more time on stubborn areas. Protect what grows—and you. Pre-wet nearby plants, work in the shade, and rinse thoroughly when you’re done so residues don’t sit on leaves. Wear gloves and eye protection. Never mix chemicals (especially bleach and ammonia) and keep shoes with good tread on—algae is slick. Plug tools into a GFCI outlet and keep cords clear of areas with moisture. After the patio dries, consider applying a breathable sealer to concrete or pavers to slow down stains and make the following application easier. Wipe grill areas with a degreaser and lay a grill mat to catch drips. And when the sitting-outside season is over, store away any cushions from harsh winter weather. When you need specialized, professional cleaning help, such as for your carpet, hard floors, furniture, or any other area, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! |
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Copyright 2015 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC
Copyright 2015 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC