An Ounce of Prevention
With snow falling already in many of the western states and a comfortable fall chill in the air through much of the east, it is safe to assume that the march toward winter is on.
It will not be long before most of us will switch from the air conditioner to the furnace; comforting us on those cool nights and chilly mornings. Fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters will also be used frequently to add warmth to the cool temperatures.
Early predictions from a variety of sources indicate that much of the east could be in for a much colder than normal winter. Now is the perfect time to take a few preparedness actions that could pay big dividends to you and your family during the coming months.
Did you know that in an average year in the United States over 25,000 chimney fires occur resulting in 30 deaths and well over $125 million in damages? Before you throw a log on the fire this season it would be a good idea to have your fireplace or wood stove cleaned and inspected by a service professional. I have my fireplace serviced every other year and I am always amazed at the amount of soot and dirt that is removed. Chimney fires can be very serious events and can happen with little or no warning. If it has been a while since you last checked your chimney, fireplace or wood stove, now is the time to get it done.
It is also a good idea to have your furnace checked by a qualified professional. A simple once over can provide peace of mind from a safety perspective. You may even add a few extra dollars to your pocket in energy savings if you system is running more efficiently. It should also go without saying, but check the status of both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is much easier to do some preventative maintenance now, than when the temperature plummets and the need for service is more costly and time consuming.
I would also like you to check the condition of any portable heaters. Make sure that all cords are in good condition and that the actual unit is in good working order. Review the safety procedures for your particular device including placement, maintenance and other operational limits.
By taking a few relatively inexpensive and proactive steps now, you can add peace of mind to the warm cozy environment even on the coldest fall or winter day.
Automobile maintenance is another great topic I will get into in the weeks ahead. If you have any other winter preparedness issues you would like to pass along, feel free to add comments.
Sunshine to you
Randy Jackson