Fall Safety Tips

Fall is a time to admire the colorful leaves. However, it is also the season to watch out for common dangers, especially when doing yardwork or home maintenance. Knowing the hazards will keep you safe during this time of year.

Here are some fall safety tips:

Trimming Trees

• Be careful: A tree or branch falling into power lines can cause a power outage, serious injury, and even death to those standing in the immediate area.
• Do not use a metal ladder or tools that conduct electricity when lines are nearby.
  

Indoor Space Heating

• Resist the temptation to use gas ovens or ranges as a heat source. It may seem like a way to quickly heat up the kitchen when it's chilly out, but the unvented gas could start a fire.
• When you use a space heater, make sure that it isn't too close to anything else. The heat generated from a space heater is a potential fire hazard for nearby objects -- specifically fabric like drapes or upholstery.
•  Don't use a space heater UNTIL YOU ARE SURE it has been vented properly.
• If using a vent-free heater, make sure the automatic cut-off switch is operational.
• As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't place any item closer than three feet from a space heater.
• Always make sure to unplug the space heater when it's not in use.
• Safety Tips Video 

Using Gas Appliances

• Don't ever store household chemicals or combustible materials near gas appliances.
• Don't move or install a gas appliance or change the connector in any way without professional assistance.
• Above all, don’t forget to learn what to do if you ever smell natural gas in the air: SMELL GAS? ACT FAST!

Using Your Furnace and Chimney

• Replace furnace filters and give baseboards a good vacuum before the heating season arrives.
• Ensure external vents and chimneys are clear of blockages from leaves and other debris. Fuel burning appliances require fresh air intake to burn efficiently.
• Do not burn cardboard boxes or trash—they can spark a chimney fire.
• Furnace Maintenance Check list