Fall Fire Prevention Tips

  • Verify each month that smoke detectors are in working order. Get in the habit of changing the batteries in both your smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors every fall and spring when changing your clocks for Daylight Savings Time! It's also a good practice to verify that all fire extinguishers are fully charges and in working order at the same time.
  • 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 is an important part of learning some fall fire safety tips. Many things can go wrong with heating equipment during the spring and summer months. Verify that everything you need to keep your home warm throughout fall and winter is in good working order before you experience the first cold snap of the season.
  • If you have a chimney, have it inspected each year to assure that it is safe. You should also hire a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney every fall.
  • Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace. Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace
  • Do not every use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
    Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Verify that all holiday lights and extension cords have been tested by an organization such as Factory Mutual or Underwriters Laboratory
  • 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. .
  • Space heaters can also be a fire hazard,and it is recommended to create a safe area around the heater. Any furniture should be at least three feet away.
  • Create a defensible space around the house, to protect from nearby fires. Trees should be a minimum of 30 feet away from the house and branches and leaves should be cleaned up to limit fuel for a fire.
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