5 Tips for Safe Home Heating
Winter is closing in quickly, and it's important to have your home and heating system ready. After all, you and your family will be spending a lot more time indoors and rely on your heating system for comfort and safety. Here are some things to remember to do to keep your home safe and warm this winter.
Once a year, have your furnace, vents, flues and chimneys inspected by a qualified service professional.
Carbon monoxide, or CO, detectors should be installed and regularly tested outside of each sleeping area in the home.
Plug portable space heaters directly into an outlet, not with an extension cord, and make sure they stay at least three feet from anything that can burn such as curtains, paper and furniture. Look for models that have an automatic shut-off.
Test and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
Leave the house immediately and call 911 if carbon monoxide is detected or you suspect a gas leak. Carbon monoxide poisoning creates flu-like symptoms and can cause extreme illness or death. Signs of a gas leak include a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor.
