Fire prevention experts say people should take a few simple steps before turning on the heat this fall.

As temperatures drop, homeowners are powering up their electric baseboard, cranking their oil furnaces and lighting their fires.

Captain John Long with the Liverpool Fire Department says a few precautions can keep people safe as well as warm this season.

“It’s the time of year to change the batteries in your smoke detectors,” said Long. “We’re getting to the wood burning season so make sure everybody’s cleaning their chimneys before they start that.”

Long says anyone who isn’t comfortable with heights or doesn’t have the proper equipment should look for help before attempting to clean their own chimney.

“You can do it yourself if you have the gear but it’s, I’d say better, it’s safer to have somebody else do it, especially somebody that’s trained. They’re going to do a good job and you’re going to be happier for it. I’m not saying don’t do it yourself but if you don’t have the equipment to properly do it, let somebody do it for you,” said Long.

Many people also like to tidy their yards by raking and burning their leaves.

Long says to better reduce the chance of those fires getting out of control people should take advantage of the municipality’s yard waste pick up days.

“Bag it up and put it out to the end of the road or if you’ve got a trailer, haul it to Western Head to the Region’s yard waste site. It’s free. It doesn’t cost you anything other than your time. It’s a much better option,” said Long.

Regardless how your home is heated, Long says having someone who knows what they’re doing come and check out your heating system can give you peace of mind in the cold months ahead.

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

To listen to the broadcast of this story, press play below.