Before You Turn Up the Heat

Before You Turn Up the Heat

As we head into colder weather, the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association reminds residents to take a few minutes to check their heating equipment and alarms.

Keep these reminders in mind:

Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture, curtains, bedding and anything else that can burn.

Plug electric heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip.

Turn space heaters off before going to bed or leaving home.

Have furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and chimneys inspected each year by a qualified professional.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.

Carbon monoxide has no smell or color. Working CO alarms are especially important in homes with fuel-burning heating equipment.

A few minutes spent checking things now can help keep your family safe all winter.