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~ As the fall season approaches and temperatures begin to drop, the Idaho Falls Fire Department is urging residents to take precautions and prepare their home heating systems. This reminder comes as a way to reduce the risk of fire, carbon monoxide exposure, and costly repairs.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. To avoid such incidents, routine maintenance and safe practices are crucial.
The IFFD recommends several key safety steps for homeowners to follow. First and foremost, it is essential to schedule a professional inspection of furnaces, boilers, or space heaters annually. This will ensure that there are no leaks, wiring issues, or ventilation problems that could potentially lead to a fire.
In addition, it is crucial to replace or clean filters regularly. This helps maintain proper airflow and should be done every one to three months. It is also important to keep a three-foot clearance around heaters and ensure that vents are not obstructed.
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Homeowners should also inspect their vents and chimneys for any buildup of soot, creosote, or blockages. Installing a chimney cap can prevent debris and animals from entering. It is also recommended to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.
For those using portable heaters, it is essential to inspect cords for any damage and avoid using extension cords. Automatic shut-off features should also be checked regularly, and heaters should never be left unattended.
The IFFD also offers additional safety tips for residents to follow. These include turning off portable heaters when leaving a room or going to bed, following manufacturer instructions for safe operation and maintenance, avoiding using ovens or stovetops as heating sources, disposing of wood stove ashes only when they are completely cold, and creating a fire escape plan with all household members.
By completing these steps before heavy winter use begins, homeowners can improve safety, efficiency, and have peace of mind. For more resources on heating safety, residents can visit the NFPA at nfpa.org or the U.S. Fire Administration at usfa.fema.gov. The Idaho Falls Fire Department urges all residents to take these precautions and stay safe this fall season.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. To avoid such incidents, routine maintenance and safe practices are crucial.
The IFFD recommends several key safety steps for homeowners to follow. First and foremost, it is essential to schedule a professional inspection of furnaces, boilers, or space heaters annually. This will ensure that there are no leaks, wiring issues, or ventilation problems that could potentially lead to a fire.
In addition, it is crucial to replace or clean filters regularly. This helps maintain proper airflow and should be done every one to three months. It is also important to keep a three-foot clearance around heaters and ensure that vents are not obstructed.
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Homeowners should also inspect their vents and chimneys for any buildup of soot, creosote, or blockages. Installing a chimney cap can prevent debris and animals from entering. It is also recommended to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.
For those using portable heaters, it is essential to inspect cords for any damage and avoid using extension cords. Automatic shut-off features should also be checked regularly, and heaters should never be left unattended.
The IFFD also offers additional safety tips for residents to follow. These include turning off portable heaters when leaving a room or going to bed, following manufacturer instructions for safe operation and maintenance, avoiding using ovens or stovetops as heating sources, disposing of wood stove ashes only when they are completely cold, and creating a fire escape plan with all household members.
By completing these steps before heavy winter use begins, homeowners can improve safety, efficiency, and have peace of mind. For more resources on heating safety, residents can visit the NFPA at nfpa.org or the U.S. Fire Administration at usfa.fema.gov. The Idaho Falls Fire Department urges all residents to take these precautions and stay safe this fall season.
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