Spring 2004 Newsletter
HEATERS AND FIREPLACES
Consumers should exercise care when using heaters and fireplaces. Heaters can cause fires if they are placed too close to flammable materials such as drapes, furniture, or bedding. Fireplaces can cause fires if the chimney is cracked, blocked, or coated with creosote, or if sparks and embers can reach flammable materials. Fuel-burning appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if there is improper venting or incomplete combustion.
Follow these guidelines as well:
Choose a heater with the most up-to-date safety features.
Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from flammable materials.
Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unvented fuel-burning space heater.
Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.
Turn the space heater off if you leave the area. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
Do not use a kitchen range or oven to heat your house because it could overheat or generate carbon monoxide.
Have a smoke alarm with fresh batteries on each level of the house and inside every bedroom. In addition, have a carbon monoxide alarm outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area.
Be aware that mobile homes require specially designed heating equipment. Only electric or vented fuel-fired equipment should be used.
Have gas and kerosene space heaters inspected annually to ensure proper operation.
Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and blockage by creosote or debris.
Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the building up of poisonous gases, especially while the family is sleeping.
Never use gasoline, charcoal light or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels or materials near a fire.
Keep a screen or glass enclosure around a fireplace or prevent sparks or embers from igniting flammable materials.
SPRING CLEANING
These are often-forgotten places we want to remember to clean in 2004!
1. Inside bottom of dishwasher door - Spray a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner along it, then sponge clean it. You'll be amazed at what you pick up!
2. Interior walls and shelves of refrigerator - For health and cleanliness, always remember to wipe up spills immediately. This keeps your refrigerator looking its best, and helps prevent the growth of bacteria. Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water.
3. Insides of light fixtures - Even a thin coat of dust can cut down on light output. First, unplug the light and allow to cool. Then, use a disposable dust cloth to clean.
4. Tops of ceiling fan blades - Capture all that dust with special dusting mitts or dusters that are designed for getting to these hard-to-reach surfaces.
5. Ovens - Cleaning spills as you go will make this tough job easier. First, allow surfaces to cool before cleaning. Then, use an oven cleaner; however, don't use an oven cleaner on a self-cleaning or continuous cleaning oven because it may damage the surface. Always read the product label directions before using.
6. Exterior cabinet of range - Again, allow cooking surfaces to cool before cleaning. Then, use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner.
7. Telephone receivers, door handles, computer keyboards - Use disinfectant wipes on these surfaces to whisk away dirt and germs!
DON'T IRON WHEN PRESSED FOR TIME!
These tips may help you spend less time ironing:
Get clothes out of the washer as soon as the spin cycle is done. Leaving clothes plastered to the drum walls for hours sets in wrinkles. Shake out each item individually.
Dry similar weight items together even if it means doing two dryer loads. For example, blouses might dry in 10 minutes; then, you can dry the heavier jeans.
The delicate or lowest-heat dryer setting is preferred.
Remove clothes from dryer while still damp. Hang up, pulling and stretching to look as if ironed. They'll dry much smoother and need less ironing.
CHECKLIST: ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TO HELP PREVENT MOLD
Inspect your home for water damage or mold regularly-once a month if possible. Check all that apply to your situation. If you cannot check the item, take appropriate steps to remedy the situation.
My home's exterior is painted; there is no unfinished wood exposed to the elements. The siding does not come in contact with any flower beds or spray from a lawn sprinkler.
There is no wood or other debris in crawl spaces or stacked against the sides of the house.
My home shows no signs of a plumbing leak.
My washing machine hose is connected properly and shows no sign of excessive wear and tear.
The caulk around the tub and sink is in good condition, with no cracks or missing caulk. The same goes for the grout in between the shower tiles.
There are no leaks in the draincock, safety valve, and plumbing connections of my water heater. I have partially drained the tank within the past six months.
My home's water pressure is between 60 and 80 pounds per square inch.
For more information, contact
Brenda Sutton at 342-8231 or
e-mail Brenda Sutton, Extension Agent
Family and Consumer Sciences
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