Top 5 Fire Safety Tasks for Fall
With Labor Day fast approaching, one thing is certain. The cold weather is on its way. That means it will soon be time to turn on the furnace, dust off our portable heaters and stoke up the fire place. As such, the start of the fall season is the perfect time to take care of a few fire safety tasks. Here’s a quick look at five of them:
Inspect Smoke Detectors
One of the first safety tasks that you should consider completing this fall is inspecting your home’s smoke detectors. You’ll want to test the smoke detectors to make sure that they are in working order. It is also a good idea to replace all the smoke detector’s batteries and remove any dust from their internal parts with a can of compressed air. If you find that you need to replace one of your family’s smoke detectors and are short on cash, there are programs that may help. Based on my experience as a former social worker, I know that many fire departments and health departments often offer low-income families free smoke detectors once a year. Select fire departments will also provide free replacement batteries and installation assistance. The best way to find out if there is such a program available in your area is to contact your community’s fire marshal or fire department.
Inspect Fire Extinguishers
Inspecting your home’s fire extinguishers is another fire safety task that you should consider taking care of in the fall. After all, the cold weather means that more cooking will be taking place inside. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen or are unsure of how to use one, your local fire department may be able to help you resolve both issues. There are fire departments and fire safety related businesses that offer free or low cost fire extinguishers to income eligible people. Some fire companies also offer free fire extinguisher classes that will teach you how to use one. I took a similar class two years ago through a fire department located in my area. I found the class very informative.
Inspect Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It is also a good idea to inspect your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t already have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, there may be organizations located within your community that will provide them to you free of charge. I have found that utility companies, community action agencies and fire departments often have free carbon monoxide detector programs in place. In my experience, one of the best ways to locate such a program in your area is to contact your local fire marshal or community services provider.
Inspect Wood Stove or Fire Place
If you have a wood stove or a fire place in your home, fall is an excellent time to have it cleaned and inspected. I would recommend that you have your home’s wood stove or fire place professionally cleaned. Of course, you could also opt to take care of the task yourself. You should also repair or replace any damaged inserts. I should also mention that there are organizations that provide free woodstove and fireplace inserts to families that can’t afford to purchase a new one. Many such programs are often offered by organizations that are concerned about air quality and environmental issues.
Inspect Portable Heaters
Last but not least, you should inspect your family’s portable heaters in order to ensure that they are still in working order. If your family’s portable heaters are no longer in proper working order, you should replace them. If you can’t afford a new portable heater, you may want to contact your local community action agency. Many also offer free or low-cost portable heaters to families in need.
Source: Personal Experience
Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing DIY home improvement projects with her family. She is also a former social worker and advocate for low-income families.
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