With the arctic air and wind chills below zero degrees, here are a few safety tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Check on elderly or home-bound neighbors that may need extra assistance.
- Keep pets inside.
- Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or other space heater.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Keep sewer and dryer vents clear from snow to prevent plugging.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on a regular schedule.
- Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Place a sturdy screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing in a metal container outside your home.
- Have a qualified professional install and maintain heating equipment for optimum efficiency and safety.