Get household appliances ready for change of season

While the rain recently gave the plants and weeds a very good soaking and wildfire season may be over, we still have the danger of home fires as we approach winter. Why more fires when it gets colder and usually wetter? Because we are turning on heaters, appliances, wood stoves, and other appliances that haven't been used for six months or more. In that time, dust or debris may have accumulated in pipes or near pilot lights that could start a fire.

These types of fires may smolder for a long time, going unnoticed, until they have enough heat to fully explode into flames. Taking the time to thoroughly check the pipes, chimneys, cords, any connections, etc. and looking for signs of wear or blockage can save your family from a disaster. Remembering that creosote can build up in your chimney pipes from your fireplace or wood stove and having that checked annually by a professional is a very reasonable price to pay when we consider the consequences.

In these strained economic times, some may turn to space heaters. These little ones are actually more dangerous than the whole house units. Why? Because we attach them to underrated extension cords or maybe we try to hide the extension cords with drapes, towels, papers, etc. which only help to make it easier for them to start a fire. Having the cords in the walkway where someone could trip is another danger. Some space heaters will start a fire if they get knocked over.

How do we choose appropriate extension cords for the appliances? First of all, check the label on the appliance. It should say the number of watts for that particular appliance.

Then check your extension cord for the number of watts it is rated for. Remember that if you use a long extension cord, the power it can conduct is reduced. In other words, the cord may say it is for 1,625 watts but stringing several cords together means it may only be able to support 1,000 or 1,250 watts.

Another key point is putting several high wattage or voltage appliances on the same extension cord. The cord will eventually overheat and start a fire.

What if your appliance doesn't tell you the number of watts? Find the number of amps and multiply it by the number of volts on the label rating tag. This means that 5 amps at 125 volts is 625W (watts). The cost of a new extension cord can save thousands of dollars in the long run. Remember to look at the plug and buy matching extension cords. If the plug has one prong wider than the other one, it's said to be polarized. If the appliance has three prongs, be sure to plug into a socket or extension cord made for three prongs.

One last consideration is renter's insurance. Most homeowners have adequate protection for their contents but renters are not protected by their landlord's insurance. Renter's insurance is very reasonable and can be invaluable in the unfortunate event you are in a home that burns down even though you have taken all the above precautions. Preparedness is our responsibility.

Have a ramblin' good week.

Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or ruhenstrothramblings@yahoo.com