Happy Autumn! My greeting is a bit belated (the first “official” day of fall was Saturday), but this is the first full weekend of fall, so better late than never–welcome to fall. I mentioned that the first “official” day of the season was Saturday, but here in Wisconsin some may argue that autumn has been well under way for a while now. For the past few days the temperatures have been in the 50s and 60s and there have been multiple nights where the National Weather Service has issued freeze and frost advisories as temperatures plummeted in the 30s. Needless to say, Old Man Winter is knocking at our doors, which means it’s time to check your furnace and fireplace.
Our local fire officials have already issued warnings about changing furnace filters. Some firemen in our area have even gone door-to-door to remind residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur when people fire up their furnaces for the first time this season. They have also expressed concern about the number of fires they have responded to as a result of ill placed space heaters.
Before I get into the warnings issued by the fire department, here’s an ironic story about space heaters: We don’t have a space heater in our home, but my former colleague (television reporter) would keep one under her desk at work and used it to warm her feet. One day she goes out to do a story on the dangers of space heaters, and I kid you not, two days after her report aired her space heater ignited some papers near her desk and a small fire broke out! So, yes, unattended space heaters can be dangerous.
As for furnaces–most people will fire them up after months of no use and no inspections, and that can spell trouble down the road. If you don’t get your furnace checked out by a qualified repairmen you may never know if danger is lurking. Fire officials recommend you do a thorough check up on your furnace or heater. It is important to check the filter to ensure it’s clean and not cracked. Also, check for leaks in piping or corrosion. In addition, it is a good idea to arm your house with a carbon monoxide detector. If you refuse to purchase one, at the very least your home should have a working smoke detector.
If you have a fireplace you should have it inspected by a professional prior to lighting the first fire of the season. Also, if you know an elderly friend, neighbor or family member with a chimney, make sure a qualified inspector takes a look at it before they use it for the first time this season. In addition, remind them (or lend them a hand) to make sure their smoke detectors are working properly and space heaters are placed in areas where they won’t start a blaze.
Related Articles:
The Ultimate Housewarming Gift