You might not realize it, but your home office contains appliances and accessories that can be dangerous when used irresponsibly. Electronic items and office supplies can pose fire risks and more. Use these fire prevention tips for your home office to inspect the scene and make sure you’re practicing safe habits in your home.
Check Your Space for Electrical Hazards
Leaving electrical hazards unchecked is one of the most common reasons fires start in the home. The average home office makes use of computers, laptops, printers, phones, and more, which all utilize a lot of electrical cords. If you don’t have enough wall outlets for all these appliances, make sure you use the right electrical accessories. Always use a power strip with an internal circuit breaker over extension cords that have been strung together. Be sure to inspect your cords and wires often to make sure they’re not fraying or overheating at the source. You can create an office safety checklist that contains all these points for easy inspection.
Test Your Smoke Detectors
When you first set up your home office, it’s important to situate the space near a smoke detector because of the common fire threats. Testing your smoke detectors isn’t just for keeping your home office safe. You should test the smoke detectors throughout your home at least once a month. If you haven’t replaced their batteries in some time, you might notice a beeping or chirping noise coming from one of your detectors. To prevent this annoying noise, replace the batteries in each smoke detector once per year.
Clear Office Clutter
There are many reasons to declutter your home office. Keeping a cluttered office will affect your productivity and ability to find files and supplies you need. A cluttered office can also pose safety hazards for tripping and falling and starting fires. If you have piles of unnecessary files and other flammable materials around your office, these pose fire risks—especially if they are located near outlets or appliances. File your important paperwork and shred everything else you don’t need.
Always practice safe electrical habits at home, especially in a home office setting. You can create a safety checklist with these fire prevention tips for your home office. Go over this list monthly to ensure that your office stays up to date with safety standards and that you’re not putting your home at risk.
Winter storms are sweeping across the US, bringing snow emergencies in the Northeast and flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Stay safe with driving tips, shelter resources, and pet care guidance, plus direct links to emergency services.
Use official sources for live alerts and road conditions. Follow your local authorities' advice and guidance immediately by staying off roads or evacuating.
Current situation across the United States
Severe winter weather is affecting multiple regions across the country. In the Northeast, heavy snow and ice are creating hazardous travel conditions, while the Pacific Northwest is dealing with widespread flooding, evacuations, saturated ground, and powerful winds. Staying prepared, remaining aware of conditions, and knowing where to find shelter are essential for keeping both people and pets safe.
In industries where a fraction of a millimeter can mean the difference between success and failure, precision is everything. From the sleek curves of an aerospace fuselage to the intricate components of a medical device, the ability to cut metal with exacting accuracy is the backbone of modern manufacturing.
Older urban buildings carry a unique character, from ornate facades to intricate interior details. These qualities create both charm and responsibility for residents, property managers, and city planners.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Hitting the open road brings a sense of freedom, but it also brings the challenge of packing. You likely want to bring everything you need without compromising safety or comfort inside the vehicle. However, improperly secured loads can lead to lost luggage and cause serious safety hazards for other drivers on the road.
