1. Do all routine maintenance on your HVAC systems.

One of the most important things you can do to keep your home or office fire safe is to do the required maintenance on your HVAC systems. Maintenance should be done on an HVAC system at least once a year, but ideally twice a year, in the spring and fall.

The HVAC system includes your air conditioner, furnace and any other heating and cooling elements. By conducting maintenance at least annually, you can make sure that any problems are caught before they become a danger, and also increase the efficiency of your system. Regular furnace maintenance increases the lifespan of a furnace as well, and improves air quality.

On your own, you can make sure your home furnace is kept clean and dust free, and be sure to change the filter regularly. The rate at which you should replace your furnace filter will vary based on the type of filter your system uses, but can range from monthly to once a year. If it’s visibly dirty, it should be changed.

2. Use space heaters responsibly

Space heaters are one of the biggest fire risks in winter months. Space heaters are responsible for about 1,700 house fires a year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. One of the most common causes of these fires is a space heater being placed too close to something flammable, such as curtains or bedding.

To mitigate the risks, there are some steps you can take if you need to use a space heater:

• Place all space heaters on the floor, and make sure the flooring is hard, level and nonflammable.
• Always keep kids and pets at least three feet away from the space heater.
• Keep the space heater at least three feet away from anything flammable.
• Turn off the space heater when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Unplug the heater when it’s not in use.
• Check the cord for damage before plugging a space heater in.
• Do not use extension cords with a space heater.

These steps can ensure that your space heater keeps you warm without becoming a fire and life safety hazard.

3. Use holiday lights correctly

Wintertime is a time of celebration for many, between Christmas, Hannukah and other winter holidays. If you choose to decorate with festive lights, make sure to do so safely.

With any lights, be sure to check the strand for any missing or broken bulbs before putting it up. You’ll also want to double-check that you’re using the right type of lights in the right setting – some are rated for indoor use only, while others are rated for outdoor use. If you need to use an extension cord, again make sure it’s rated for the proper use – indoor or outdoor. Keep extension cords and any lights off the ground as well, so they don’t become wet and pose an electrocution hazard.

Don’t overload your outlets, and don’t connect more than three strands of lights together. And, only use lights during the holiday season – many aren’t intended for use year-round – and turn them off when you go to sleep at night.

4. Understand fireplace and candle safety

A final fire risk in wintertime comes from fire themselves – specifically, the use of fireplaces and candles.

Fireplace safety is essential. Before you ever light a fire, the chimney needs to be inspected to ensure it’s not blocked and is working correctly. Make sure the damper or flue is open before lighting the fire, and never leave the fire unattended while lit. Keep children, pets and flammable objects at least three feet away from the fireplace.

With candles, many of the same general safety rules apply. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, and always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. Make sure any lit candles are in stable holders out of reach of children and pets. Better yet – use battery-operated candles, rather than open flames, to be as safe as possible.

Fire safety can be overwhelming – but with CertaSite, it doesn’t have to be. Schedule a consultation with us to discover how we can help you with all your fire and life safety needs, and explore our blog for even more fire and life safety tips.