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, according to a press release from the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Many things can go wrong with heating equipment during the spring and summer months, according to the release. 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.
Central heating system safety tips
* Get your central heating system cleaned, inspected and serviced by a certified HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) contractor every year before using it.
* If you have a gas heater, make sure that you have a sufficient quantity of fully functioning carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
Fireplace safety tips
* Get your chimney inspected each year to make sure that it is safe.
* Hire a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney every fall.
* Repair any cracks in fireplaces.
* Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
* Do not ever use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
* Never leave a fire unattended.
* Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace.
* For natural gas fireplaces, get all connections and lines inspected before use each season.