During the fall and winter, fire hazards in our homes and businesses arise primarily from heating the space! According to the American Red Cross, there is a drastic increase in house fires during this time.
We’ve prepared a list of safety tips and prevention techniques to help you stay safe during the upcoming months.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and locate fire extinguishers. This tip applies to your home and workplace! It’s important to know where the fire extinguishers are in an emergency.
- Develop a fire safety and evacuation plan. Feel free to check out our blog on how to build a go-bag and prepare for unforeseen emergencies at https://globalwildfireequipment.us/how-to-build-a-go-bag/
- Talk with your safety team or committee at work. Everyone in your workplace must be trained on what to do in case of a fire, how to evacuate, where to meet, and what the post-fire recovery plan is.
- CHECK YOUR HEATING SYSTEM! Furnaces are one of the leading causes of home fires during the colder months.
- Make sure you replace your furnace filters regularly
- Keep all areas around your furnace clean and unobstructed
- Keep the burner area clean and clear of dust, dirt, lint, and other debris.
- Keep all combustible items at least six inches away from the vent pipe.
- Never close off more than 20% of your heat registers!
- Contact a professional immediately if you’re experiencing any issues with your furnace.
- We advise you to have your central heating system cleaned and serviced by a certified HVAC contractor annually.
- Keep your fireplace clear of ash and debris, and have it inspected annually.
- Use a fireplace screen, guard, or glass doors to keep hot ash and sparks contained
- Store extra wood and combustible materials five feet away from your fireplace.
- Never leave a fire unattended!
- Burn seasoned hardwoods, such as oak, that have been split and stored in a safe and dry environment for at least six months.
- Keep fires small, don’t overload your fireplace!
- When building a fire, strategically place logs on a metal grate at the back end of your fireplace.