The winter months still seem far away when Texas families are headed to high school football games and other fun fall events. But by checking on your home heating equipment now, you can be ready when the cold weather rolls in.
According to the National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA), half of all home heating fires are reported in the months of December, January and February – the coldest months of the year in the U.S., including Texas. Experienced Texas product liability injury lawyers recommend that you reduce your chances of a home fire by taking the time to examine your home heating equipment now, before you need it.
Here are ways to improve your home heating safety this winter:
- Create a “three-foot rule” for heating elements. Make it a rule that flammable items, people and pets must stay at least three feet away from wood stoves, space heaters and other heating equipment.
- Hire a professional installer to put in new heating equipment, including wood stoves or hot water heaters. Make sure heating elements have adequate ventilation to the outdoors.
- Install and test CO alarms. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if it builds up inside a house or vehicle. Install and check CO alarms to help warn your family about CO buildup before injury occurs.
- Test your smoke alarms every month. Most alarms can be tested by holding the button for a few seconds. Keep a stash of 9-volt batteries handy so you can replace a battery the moment a smoke detector warns you it is running low.
- Read the documentation that comes with heating equipment and alarms. You’ll learn valuable information about how to use your equipment safely and who to contact if a defect causes harm.
The experienced Texas attorneys at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP hope everyone stays warm and safe this winter.
