Fire Safety Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm this Fall

As the autumn leaves begin to turn, and the air carries a crisp coolness, keeping our homes warm becomes a priority. However, heating your home should never compromise safety. Every year, fire departments respond to thousands of house fires caused by heating equipment. To ensure you cozy up safely this fall, here are essential fire safety tips that everyone should follow.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Servicing Your Heating Equipment

1. Before the chill sets in, have your furnace or heat pump serviced by a professional. A well-maintained system is less likely to break down or cause any issues, like a fire. It’s best to have your heating system serviced by experienced professionals. If you need a hand, give Keith Lawson a call today.

Change Filters

1. Regularly changing the filters in your heating systems not only helps them run more efficiently but also reduces the risk of fire.

Space Heater Safety

Keep It Clear

1. Space heaters need room. Keep all items at least three feet away from the heater, especially anything that can burn such as paper, clothing, or rugs.

Choose the Right Spot

1. Always place space heaters on a level, hard, and nonflammable surface. They should never be placed on carpets, furniture, or countertops.

Turn It Off

1. Never leave a space heater on when you go to bed or leave the room. Always turn it off when it’s not being directly monitored.

Safe Fireplace Usage

Use a Screen

1. Sparks can fly into the room and cause a fire, so always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen in front of your fireplace.

Dispose of Ashes Safely

1. Let ashes cool before disposing of them. Place them in a metal container that is used solely for ash storage, not just any trash can.

Install and Test Alarms

Smoke Alarms

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and change batteries at least once a year.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. These are equally important, as heating systems can produce carbon monoxide which is invisible and odorless. Have detectors installed near your sleeping area and check them regularly.

Practice an Escape Plan

Make sure your family knows what to do in the event of a fire. Practice an escape plan regularly, ensuring that there are two ways out of every room and that windows and doors open easily for quick exits.

Be Cautious with Candles and Decorations

Candle Placement

1. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Better yet, use flameless candles for a similar ambiance without the risk.

Halloween & Thanksgiving

1. During the festivities, decorations like corn stalks and dried flowers are highly flammable. Keep these away from heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

By following these fire safety tips, you can enjoy a warm and secure home this fall season. Remember, prevention is the best protection against home fires. Stay warm, stay safe!

Contact Us

Keith Lawson Services is here for all of your air conditioning, heating and plumbing needs. Sign up for maintenance on our website today, or contact us!

Keith Lawson Services is an American Standard Customer Care Dealer having served the Tallahassee area for more than 44 years. We have the tools and expertise to take care of all your plumbing and HVAC needs!