Home Safety: 5 Ways You Can Help Prevent Fire Hazards in the Home

Fall will soon be here and bring with it cooler temperatures, which means you will be most likely spending more time inside using fireplaces, furnaces, and heaters to stay warm. To help ensure your home is safe this fall, check out these 5 fire safety tips.

1. Service your furnace

Fall is a great time to have your furnace serviced before the freezing cold weather of winter arrives. Reach out to a local heating and cooling company that can send out a certified inspection specialist to make sure your furnace is working properly and ready for the cold weather.

2. Be cautious when using space heaters

Using space heaters in your home can be an easy and effective way to help warm up cold rooms in your home. However, it is important you read the instructions and safety procedures before using the unit. If your space heater requires ventilation, make sure you have it vented to the outdoors. Never use the stove as a source of heat, as space heaters are only approved for this purpose. Be sure to keep at least 3 feet of open space around the space heater to avoid a potential fire.

3. Practice candle caution

Lighting a candle can be a fun way to give a room a warm glow, but it can also be dangerous. According to the National Candle Association, nearly 10,000 residential fires are started every year because homeowners are not correctly using candles. Always be sure to extinguish candles before going to sleep and never let children or pets near lit candles.

4. Install new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Local fire departments always encourage homeowners to use the changing of seasons as a reminder to install new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is always a great time to review the expiration date on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to determine if newer models are needed.

5. Safely use fireplaces

Lighting a fire in the fireplace can be a great way to enjoy a cozy fall night. If you have a wood-burning fireplace you will want to make sure you keep the fire in its place by using a fireplace screen to keep sparks from flying out. Never leave a fire burning in a fireplace unattended and be sure to completely put out the fire before heading off to bed.