Fall is the time of cooler weather, changing leaves and carving jack-o-lanterns, but the season also has many potential dangers. To avoid fire- or weather-related injuries, take the time to prepare your home and yard for the coming winter weather. This can help ensure that the whole family will enjoy the fall months for many years to come.
Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
According to the Patrons Oxford Insurance website, there are several precautions you should take when burning wood during the cold fall months. Have your chimney or wood stove cleaned prior to the first use. Remove any clutter from the top of or near the wood stove or fireplace. Make sure that the chimney is in good condition. Check that the liner, mortar and bricks do not need repair, and use only one single liner, or flue, at a time.
Inspect Detectors
The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center recommends that you should change the batteries in all your smoke detectors when you roll back your clocks at the end of Daylight Savings Time. Test your smoke detectors, and change the batteries and test your carbon monoxide detectors, too. You can even use this opportunity to make a fire evacuation plan and practice a family fire drill.
Perform Yard Maintenance
Before winter conditions cover up any potential hazards, take the time to clean up your yard and address any maintenance issues. Check that outdoor lighting is appropriate, and replace any bulbs that have burned out. Fix any stair or porch issues to prevent falls. Store away any patio furniture or summer items from the lawn and porch. In preparation for winter weather, empty gutters of any debris or leaves, see that all roof shingles are in good repair and that no windows have deteriorated sills. Observe your yard, paying attention to any large tree limbs close to your house. Remove any limbs that seem rotted or could fall onto the house with the added weight of snow.
Practice Halloween Safety
Dr. Nick Jouriles of the Akron Medical Center in Ohio suggests several precautions to make Halloween a safe holiday. Have your children walk on designated sidewalks and obey all traffic lights and signals. Be sure everyone stays in a group and that at least one adult goes along. Children should wear safe costumes for trick-or-treating. To prevent tripping, avoid long hems, baggy clothing, high heels and masks that can obstruct view. Place reflective tape on children's costumes to make them more visible to cars.
