When the temperature drops and those chilly nights start to roll in, everyone looks forward to gathering around a good fire. Whether one is inside or out, there are a few fire safety tips one should know for the Fall.
Fire safety tips
- Check the smoke detectors to make sure they are still working and replace the batteries if they have not in the last 6 months.
- Have the chimney inspected. The buildup of creosote is one of the top reasons for fireplace fires. If one has a gas fireplace, be sure to have the lines and connections inspected. Don’t go to bed or leave the house with a fire.
- Use a fireplace screen to keep sparks and debris inside the fireplace.
- Have an escape plan in place that one has reviewed with the family.
- Don’t park the car over a pile of leaves. The heat from the recently running vehicle can ignite the leaves below.
- Make sure the fire pit is away from any structures or low hanging limbs.
- If one is using a space heater, be sure to leave a 3-foot buffer around it so that nothing can catch fire. Turn it off when it is not in use and don’t leave them running if one is not at home.
- Do not use candles in jack-o-lanterns. Battery-powered candles or flashlights are safer.
- Clean out the gutters to avoid unnecessary pine needles and leaves.
Now that one knows what they need to do, they can safely enjoy a Fall fire.
