House fires increase during the winter months. The reason: people are inside more often. Electricity is almost always on, furnaces, candles, and fireplaces are in use. Being a victim of a house fire is a very scary experience to go through. Do what you can to stay safe by following these winter fire safety tips.
#1: Don’t neglect maintenance and servicing on your furnace.
Brrr…winter weather means your furnace is working hard to keep you comfortable. To ensure there aren’t any unexpected furnace breakdowns or expensive repairs, make furnace maintenance a top priority. A tuned-up system by our team at Specialty Heating & Cooling LLC ensures it’s running at peak efficiency and that no issues will pop up that could create a safety hazard.
#2: Don’t cover vents.
Your heating vents provide the critical warm air that you want this winter. Make sure that no vents are blocked or covered. Blocking vents with furniture, curtains, or other fabrics and materials not only hinders airflow and causes unevenly heated rooms, but it could also cause the materials to get too hot, which could be a fire risk.
#3: Check smoke alarms.
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors save lives. Unfortunately, many homeowners forget to test them. Many house fires can be prevented with regular testing and battery changes. Check them every month to make sure they are in good working order. That way, you can depend on them to alert you in a fire emergency.
#4: Don’t use space heaters.
They keep you warm, but portable heaters can be dangerous. If you do choose to use a space heater, never leave them plugged in while you leave, and don’t put them near loose fabric or bedding. If children or pets are in the home, keep them away from the heater because they get hot to the touch and could burn.
Pacific Northwest winters are chilly, so get ready to cozy up inside. Remember that a reliable furnace is a key to staying comfortable this season. Contact us today for your maintenance or repair appointment, or to talk to us about furnace replacement options.
