Though love is celebrated throughout the year, on Valentine’s Day, romantics go out of their way to express their devotion and affection. Candlelight dinners, snuggling by a cozy fire and enchanting weekend getaways are just some of the ways couples celebrate. We expect your romantic plans to go off without a hitch, but following are some safety and security considerations to be aware of this Feb. 14.
Fire Safety
Although many couples go out for a candlelight dinner, some prefer to cook a decadent meal together at home. A filet mignon with mushroom-wine sauce and chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert followed by a champagne toast in front of the fire sets the perfect mood for romance. Cozy nights like this are memory-making for sure, but there are some fire hazards lurking in this scenario.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces lend a soft, warm glow to any room, so they’re a perfect accent to a romantic evening. However, many people use their fireplaces only on special occasions. If your fireplace is rarely used, it’s even more important to have it inspected and cleaned annually. In addition to regular maintenance, the U.S. Fire Administration offers the following general fireplace safety advice:
• Keep the area around the hearth free of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Leave glass doors open while the fire is burning. This will ensure the fire gets enough air for complete combustion and keeps creosote from building up in the chimney.
• Close the mesh screen when the glass doors are open, and always use mesh screens with fireplaces that do not have a glass door.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned hardwood.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them.
• Keep the roof clear of pine needles and other debris that could catch fire.
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.
• Make sure fire and carbon monoxide home alarm systems are installed and operating properly.
Candles
There’s a reason candles and romantic dinners go together. First of all, everybody looks good in candlelight. Secondly, the soft, flickering glow of a candle sets the stage for an unhurried, mesmerizing experience.
If your plans call for a candlelit dinner at home, here are some candle-burning safety tips from the National Candle Association
• Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time before burning.
• Extinguish all candles when you leave the room.
• Keep candles away from drafts, vents and ceiling fans.
• Keep candles away from flammable objects.
• Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another.
Home Security
Thieves are always on the lookout for opportunities to gain access to your valuables. Though Valentine’s Day is not a particularly active time for home burglaries, some thieves take advantage of this one night of year when many couples are out to dinner. If you have South Carolina security systems installed, your home is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you and the authorities would be notified immediately of any intrusion. Although homes with professional security systems are 300 percent less likely to be broken into than homes without security services, it pays to take a few extra precautions to deflect burglaries.
Appear to be home. Using a timer to set lights and stereo systems to go off intermittently is a great way for your home to appear as though it’s occupied.
• If you’ll be gone for a long weekend, arrange for a neighbor to collect mail and newspapers.
• Avoid posting plans on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.
• Do not leave a key under the mat, in the mailbox or above the door frame. You may think your hiding place is clever, but career criminals know all the tricks.
Relationship Security
The most important thing to secure on Feb. 14 is the relationship with your significant other. Breaking up over a bad gift or no gift at all is unlikely, but remembering the one you love on this special day will make him or her feel extra special. The list of no-nos for Valentine’s Day gifts is extensive, so when in doubt choose something classic. Cards, flowers and chocolate are classic choices for women, and men tend to like bottles of their favorite drink, tickets to sporting events and gift certificates for outings, such as golf or kayaking.
What’s most important this Feb. 14 is seizing the opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms, so regardless of your particular plans, we wish you a safe and happy Valentine’s Day.
Fire Safety
Although many couples go out for a candlelight dinner, some prefer to cook a decadent meal together at home. A filet mignon with mushroom-wine sauce and chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert followed by a champagne toast in front of the fire sets the perfect mood for romance. Cozy nights like this are memory-making for sure, but there are some fire hazards lurking in this scenario.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces lend a soft, warm glow to any room, so they’re a perfect accent to a romantic evening. However, many people use their fireplaces only on special occasions. If your fireplace is rarely used, it’s even more important to have it inspected and cleaned annually. In addition to regular maintenance, the U.S. Fire Administration offers the following general fireplace safety advice:
• Keep the area around the hearth free of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Leave glass doors open while the fire is burning. This will ensure the fire gets enough air for complete combustion and keeps creosote from building up in the chimney.
• Close the mesh screen when the glass doors are open, and always use mesh screens with fireplaces that do not have a glass door.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned hardwood.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them.
• Keep the roof clear of pine needles and other debris that could catch fire.
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.
• Make sure fire and carbon monoxide home alarm systems are installed and operating properly.
Candles
There’s a reason candles and romantic dinners go together. First of all, everybody looks good in candlelight. Secondly, the soft, flickering glow of a candle sets the stage for an unhurried, mesmerizing experience.
If your plans call for a candlelit dinner at home, here are some candle-burning safety tips from the National Candle Association
• Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time before burning.
• Extinguish all candles when you leave the room.
• Keep candles away from drafts, vents and ceiling fans.
• Keep candles away from flammable objects.
• Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another.
Home Security
Thieves are always on the lookout for opportunities to gain access to your valuables. Though Valentine’s Day is not a particularly active time for home burglaries, some thieves take advantage of this one night of year when many couples are out to dinner. If you have South Carolina security systems installed, your home is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you and the authorities would be notified immediately of any intrusion. Although homes with professional security systems are 300 percent less likely to be broken into than homes without security services, it pays to take a few extra precautions to deflect burglaries.
Appear to be home. Using a timer to set lights and stereo systems to go off intermittently is a great way for your home to appear as though it’s occupied.
• If you’ll be gone for a long weekend, arrange for a neighbor to collect mail and newspapers.
• Avoid posting plans on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.
• Do not leave a key under the mat, in the mailbox or above the door frame. You may think your hiding place is clever, but career criminals know all the tricks.
Relationship Security
The most important thing to secure on Feb. 14 is the relationship with your significant other. Breaking up over a bad gift or no gift at all is unlikely, but remembering the one you love on this special day will make him or her feel extra special. The list of no-nos for Valentine’s Day gifts is extensive, so when in doubt choose something classic. Cards, flowers and chocolate are classic choices for women, and men tend to like bottles of their favorite drink, tickets to sporting events and gift certificates for outings, such as golf or kayaking.
What’s most important this Feb. 14 is seizing the opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms, so regardless of your particular plans, we wish you a safe and happy Valentine’s Day.
No comments:
Post a Comment