It’s time to start pouring hot chocolate and warming up the fire place, colder weather is here to stay! As we enter the coming months, the risk of a house fire also increases significantly as heating equipment is turned on for the first time. According to the United States Fire Administration, heating equipment, such as furnaces, space heaters and fireplaces, causes between 45,000 and 55,000 fires per year. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and cozy in the months to come:
- Have your furnace checked annually by a qualified professional, including a careful cleaning of the ductwork for lint or other debris that could catch fire when the furnace is in operation.
- Change your furnace’s filter every three to four months.
- Keep a 3-foot area around your heating equipment clear of obstructions and flammable materials.
- Turn off space heaters when you leave the room, and never leave your space heater on when you go to sleep.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually, and never leave the fireplace unattended while a fire is burning.
- Maintain a sufficient number of working smoke alarms in your house. There should be a smoke alarm within audible distance of each bedroom in your house.
Remember that when it comes to fire safety, it is always better safe than sorry. For more safety tips, click here. You can also contact your local fire department for further assistance.
