House fires are more likely to occur during cooler months because heating becomes a priority, so move furniture away from heating vents and check the batteries in the smoke detectors. To adequately prevent fire damage to your property and be more safety-conscious, these four autumn heating preparation tips can help protect you and your loved ones.

4 Fire Safety Tips for Fall

1. Check & Replace Batteries

Ideally, you should check smoke alarms monthly, but try them before fall. Press the button on the alarm and wait a moment for it to make its alert noise, and change the batteries if the sound isn’t loud or doesn’t work. Also, wipe any dust from the inside of the alarm to keep the battery connections clear.

2. Get Your Heating System Evaluated

If it has been a while since your heater was last inspected, or if you notice smoke damage near the vents, have a professional look at the system. The professional will look for the most common causes of furnace fires, including a clogged air filter, excess gas pressure, and a cracked heat exchanger. 

3. Ditch the Halloween Candles 

While setting candles inside your jack-o-lantern is fun and authentic, it also creates an extreme fire hazard. An uncontrolled flame can quickly catch the pumpkin on fire and, if it’s not put out, fire damage can spread throughout the house. Instead, buy a small flashlight for each jack-o’-lantern to provide light without the risk of a fire. You can further reduce the risk of a Halloween fire by checking decoration labels and buying ones that are fire resistant.

4. Practice Fire Safety With Your Family

In addition to preventing a house fire, your family should know how to respond to one. Ensure everyone knows to call 911 immediately upon seeing a fire, so the family can stop it from spreading. Also, teach kids how to “stop, drop, and roll.” 

An electrical fire is especially hazardous and is more likely in the fall as people switch over to their heaters. If your home experiences a fire, ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services in Lexington, KY, can help you assess and repair the damage. To request a consultation, visit their website, or call (859) 309-9964 to discuss their specialty fire restoration services including reconstruction and smoke odor elimination.