As the cooler weathers begin to settle in and Douglas County residents begin to make use of their heating systems, fireplaces, and space heaters - we are reminded of the potential dangers and risks that come along with that. Did you know that the second leading cause of house fires in America, right after cooking fires, are fires caused by heating systems? Faulty or improperly used heating systems can prove to be costly, and even deadly.
So what are some things you can do to protect your home and family?
1. Be sure you have smoke detectors installed on every level of your home and outside of bedrooms. In the unfortunate event of a fire, smoke detectors can literally save your life. And remember, a smoke detector does not help if you do not have batteries in them. You should change the batteries at least once a year – and if it starts chirping, that means change the batteries immediately. We also recommend testing your smoke detectors on a monthly basis to ensure that if the time comes where you need it, that they are working properly.
2. Have fire extinguishers available on each level of your home. Make sure they are up to date. It is also important that each member of your family is instructed on how to use a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.
3. Automatic fire sprinkler systems reduce the risk of fire deaths and actually decrease damage due to fire up to 65%.
4. If you are using a fireplace or space heater, be sure to follow manufacturer instructions and warnings. NEVER leave a fireplace or space heater unattended. It only takes one moment for a fire to start and devour your home. Do not place your space heater on rugs or never flammable materials.
5. Have your heating system inspected and tuned up before the cold weather starts up. A technician can point out any potential problems that you may experience while using your heating system and make sure there are no faulty parts that could result in a fire.
House fires are a real threat, so make sure to do what you can to protect your family and home this fall/winter season. Next week, look out for more tips on what to do in the case of a house fire. If you would like any more information on what you can do to prevent a home fire, what to do in case of a fire, or how to make sure your heating system is tuned up and ready to go – give Anchor Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (770) 942-2873, we will be glad to assist you.