Space Heaters

Even though space heaters don’t show a visible flame, they should be treated like an open flame candle. All flammables should be kept three feet away such as drapes, blankets and furniture. Always turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Change Batteries in Smoke Detectors

Daylight savings time is here and that means its time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO detectors. In the colder months, we use more electricity and heat producing appliances and our families spend more time indoors, so it’s important to make sure all the smoke and CO alarms are working properly this season.

Family Fire Drill

Going over your homes family escape plan with your children can greatly increase their chances of survival in case of a fire. Fires spread fast and fill the home quickly with smoke, leaving only moments to find each other or an exit. The best strategy is to make sure children know what to do when an adult is not helping them, how to get to a safe meeting place outside the home, and to never go back inside the house once they are safe. Everyone should know of two exits for every room in the house in case one is blocked by fire, how to “stop, drop and roll”, and to stay low to the ground when heading towards an exit.

Have Your Chimney Inspected

Before chasing away the outside chill with a nice fire, have your chimney cleaned to make sure it is free of debris, buildup, animals and other flammables. An inspection can make sure that your chimney liner, cap, and other parts are safe for the season.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Did you know carbon monoxide (or CO) detectors are just as important as smoke detectors in your home? If you have any fuel-burning appliances like a fireplace, wood or pellet stove, natural gas furnace, stove, water heater, or other appliance that releases carbon monoxide gas, you should also have a CO detector.

When working properly, fireplaces and appliances vent CO outside your home. Carbon monoxide leaks commonly happen when a fuel-burning appliance fails, such as part breaking (like your furnace’s heat exchanger) or a clogged vent. That’s when dangerous amounts of CO can leak into your house. Since it is odorless, colorless and tasteless, only a CO detector can pick it up. CO detectors are recommended on every floor you have one of these appliances. Since cars also emit CO, a carbon monoxide detector is also recommended on the floor of an attached garage.

Do you need a carbon monoxide detector installed in your Baltimore-Annapolis area home? We can provide and install a CO detector for as low as $75. Want 33% off our regular price? Find out how to become a plan member! 410-636-7614 or contact us online.