It seems we went from summer to late fall in the blink of an eye. It is a good idea for everyone in your home to refresh their memories on fall fire safety tips.
Check Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Fire Extinguishers
- Change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors = November 2, 2019 = Daylight Savings Time ends
- Verify each month that smoke detectors are in working order
- Verify that all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working order
- Make sure that there is a sufficient quantity of smoke detectors in your home
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher
Make Sure All Heating Sources Work Properly
- No matter what type of device you use to heat your home, making sure your heating devices and/or systems are in good working order.
- HVAC SYSTEM: It is best to have your HVAC system inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a certified HVAC contractor. Check and replace furnace filters with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
- FIREPLACE: If you’ve got a fireplace, hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from the fireplace and install a mesh metal screen around it.
Space Heater Safety Tips
- Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space
- Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry
- Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery
- Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed
- Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters
Family Fire Safety Tips
- Teach your kids how to respond in the event of a fire
- Make sure young children know how to dial 911
- Establish and practice a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home
- Practice stop, drop and roll with your children so they learn how to escape beneath a fire
- Teach everyone in your family multiple ways to escape from every room in the event of a fire
- Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by children
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Do not leave candles burning when you go to sleep
- Make sure all flammable substances are properly stored in safe containers and out of reach of children