Home Safety Precautions You Need To Take Before Winter Arrives

Before the autumn leaves begin to fly, it’s a good idea to review your winter home safety plans. If you neglect winter home safety precautions, you may find yourself in an emergency situation that could have been avoided. It’s always best to stay on top of these tasks so you can rest assured that your family is ready to enjoy a safe and pleasant winter.

• Check your carbon monoxide detectors.Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is odorless, invisible and colorless. It can be produced by your heating system and cooking appliances if they malfunction, but without a detector, you may be unaware that anything is wrong. If you haven’t already installed carbon monoxide detectors, install them in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each sleeping area of your house. If you already have CO detectors installed, replace their batteries, and test them to make sure they’re functioning properly.
• Check your smoke detectors. Almost two-thirds of house fire deaths occur in homes without functioning smoke detectors. You should have a smoke detector installed on each level of your home, including one in the hallway where your bedrooms are located. Be sure to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors, and test them monthly.
• Inspect and clean your chimney. Experts recommend that your chimney should be cleaned at least once a year. It’s best to have a certified chimney specialist take care of this job to keep creosote buildup to a minimum.
• Prepare your fireplace for winter. If you intend to use your fireplace during the winter, get it ready before you’ll actually want to use it. Check your fireplace’s mesh screen or glass door for cracks, tears or other problems that need repair. Clear the area around your hearth of flammable materials, decorations and debris. Install a stovepipe thermometer to monitor the temperature of the flue.

For more expert advice about home safety, contact us at Blanton’s Heating & A/C. We’ve been serving Fayetteville and the surrounding area since 1951.