This October Handyman Matters wants to help you prevent the devastation caused by a fire.  A few precautions can protect you and your family:

Don't use candles in an area where there are combustible

Don't let this happen to you!

 materials such as papers that can fall on the flame or draperies that can catch fire if they are to close.  When leaving the room, your home or going to bed extinguish all flames.

Check smoke detectors monthly.  Push the test button.  Change out the batteries in smoke detectors twice a year when time changes.  Smoke detectors with Lithium Ion batteries do not need to be changed as frequently and may never need replaced.  If you smoke detector is over ten years old, you should replace it, not just the battery.

Install a carbon monoxide detector if there are gas burning appliances in the home.  Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector (CO) is important.  If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep.

Clean the dryer vent on your clothes dryer every six months.  

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 Excessive heat build up can result in a fire in some dryers.  The Consumer Product Safety Commision estimates that over 15,000 dryer related fires occur each year.