It’s Fire Safety Month!

The NFPA’s 2024 campaign for Fire Prevention Month is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!™. Installing reliable protection and being proactive is essential to keeping your loved ones safe from a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) emergency.

Did You Know?

• Almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms* (NFPA)
• Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the US* (CDC)
• Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires* (NFPA)

Smoke Detectors: Change Those Batteries!

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Don’t forget the garage! Test them monthly and replace the batteries every six months. Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old or stop responding when tested. Cardinal carries reliable fire and carbon monoxide safety products and batteries and can help you find what you need.

Electrical Safety: Avoid Overloading

Plugging too many devices into one outlet can be dangerous. Use power strips and surge protectors to distribute power safely. Always replace frayed cords and damaged electrical devices to prevent hazards. Only use extension cords temporarily, and make sure they’re rated for the devices you’re using.

Shop Smart at Cardinal Home Center! Find everything you need for electrical safety, including:

• Power strips in various sizes
• Extension cords for every need
• Replacement outlets and switches

Need Help? Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you in selecting the right equipment for your home.

Chimney Cleaning can be a Life-Saver.

Chimney fires are a pervasive and costly problem, responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, house fires, and even loss of life. Mortar cracks in the chimney’s concrete are a significant fire risk, and failing to inspect, clean, and repair your chimney routinely can lead to tragic consequences. Fires leave behind creosote on chimneys’ walls. Over time, this creosote accumulates, and when it ignites, it can lead to disastrous results. The fire can quickly climb and superheat, causing severe damage to the chimney’s structure and potentially spreading throughout your home.

Tips to Prevent Premature Creosote Build-Up:

• Burn well-seasoned hardwoods: Hardwoods burn cleaner and hotter, reducing creosote buildup. Ensure the moisture level in your firewood is below 20%.
• Keep your flue fully open when a fire is burning: This helps prevent smoke from cooling and laying on the chimney’s interior.
• Schedule yearly chimney inspections and cleanings to avoid advanced creosote build-up, reducing the risk of chimney or house fires.
• DIY cleaning: If you’re comfortable tackling the project yourself and your chimney is easy to access, clean it whenever creosote buildup is no more than 1/8-inch thick.
• Use the right tools: You’ll need a chimney brush with an extension rod longer than your chimney’s length. It’s a messy job, so be thorough throughout the passage and clean the flu assembly to remove all build-up.

If you have questions about these processes or need the right tools, visit one of our conveniently located Cardinal Home Center stores. We carry fire brick, high-heat mortar, and concrete designed for chimneys. Additionally, you can find chimney caps and brushes at our Madison and Crozet locations. Your safety is our priority.

Be Prepared for Fire Emergencies!

Stay safe with fire extinguishers, which can help prevent small fires from escalating into larger disasters. Keep fire extinguishers easily accessible on every level of your home, particularly in the kitchen and garage. Make sure you know how to operate a fire extinguisher before an emergency arises so you’re ready when it counts.

At Cardinal Home Center, we carry fire extinguishers for your convenience at our Crozet, Madison, and Lake Anna locations. Prepare today and ensure your home is equipped to handle emergencies. Visit us to get the safety equipment you need!