Fire Prevention Tips

Fire Prevention Week 2024 – Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!

October is Fire Safety Month!  This year’s campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.  Ensure you have a smoke alarm in each bedroom, one outside the bedrooms in the hallway, and one on each floor of your home. Additionally, a carbon monoxide alarm is now required in the hallway outside the sleeping areas.

Every bedroom should have two means of escape: a door to the hallway and a window leading outside. For those living on the second floor, each bedroom should be equipped with an escape ladder. If you have questions about smoke alarm placement or need a free fire escape ladder, contact the West Carrollton Fire Department at 937-847-4645.

Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance Tips

1. Annual Inspections: Have your firebox and chimney inspected at least once a year for cracks and obstructions to ensure they are in good working condition.
2. Prevent Creosote Buildup: Regularly check and clean your chimney to prevent dangerous creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
3. Avoid Burning Trash: Never burn paper documents, trash, or charcoal in your fireplace. These materials can release deadly carbon monoxide and increase soot accumulation in the flue.
4. Carbon Monoxide Detector: Install a carbon monoxide detector in the hallway outside the sleeping areas to alert you to any dangerous levels of this gas.
5. Proper Use of the Damper: Always keep the damper open while the fireplace is in use and leave it open for at least 24 hours after the fire has burned out. Closing the damper prematurely can trap heat and cause hot ashes to smolder.
6. Safe Ash Disposal: When cleaning or removing ashes, place them in a metal container and keep it on solid ground outside for at least 24 hours. If possible, douse the ashes with water before disposal. Never place the container on a wooden or combustible surface.

Furnace Maintenance Tips

1. Annual Inspection: Before turning on your furnace for the season, schedule a yearly inspection by a qualified professional. September is an ideal time to ensure your furnace is ready for winter.
2. Check Controls and Shutoffs: Inspect the condition of the furnace’s automatic controls and emergency shutoffs. Familiarize yourself with the location of your electrical panel, and ensure that breakers or fuses are properly marked.
3. Maintain Clearance: Keep at least a three-foot clearance around your electrical panel. Avoid covering it with pictures, curtains, or other items to ensure easy access and proper ventilation.
4. Replace Filters Regularly: Change the furnace filter every month to maintain efficient operation and good air quality.
5. Keep the Area Clear: Ensure that all trash and combustible materials are kept at least 36 inches away from the furnace to prevent fire hazards.
6. Inspect the Chimney: Regularly check your chimney for cracks or loose bricks. Seal any unused flue openings to prevent drafts and improve furnace efficiency.

Space Heater Safety Tips

1. Check Safety Features: Ensure your space heater is equipped with a working safety light, automatic shut-off switch, or a tip-over shut-off device. These features can help prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
2. Maintain Clearances: Keep all objects, combustible materials, people, and pets at least 3 feet away from the space heater to avoid fire hazards and ensure proper ventilation.
3. Avoid Bathrooms: Never use a space heater in your bathroom. The combination of water and electrical appliances poses a serious risk of electrical shock.

Dryer Safety and Maintenance Tips

1. Monitor Drying Performance: If clothes feel damp or aren’t drying properly after a normal cycle, it may indicate an issue with your dryer. Check for a clogged vent and clean out any accumulated lint before starting the next load.
2. Install a Smoke or Heat Alarm: Place a smoke or heat alarm near or above the dryer, and ensure it uses a 10-year-rated battery to enhance safety.
3. Never Leave the Dryer Unattended: Do not leave your dryer running when you’re not at home or while you’re sleeping. Always supervise the dryer while it’s in use to prevent potential fire hazards.
4. Regular Cleaning: Clean the lint filter after every load to maintain optimal performance and reduce fire risk. Additionally, clean the entire vent system two or more times a year to prevent blockages and ensure proper airflow.
5. Professional Cleaning: If you’re unable to clean the vent system yourself, contact a professional vent cleaner to ensure thorough maintenance.