Remembering to Unplug Heating Equipment can Keep your Family Safe This Winter

As the temperature continues to drop in the Atlanta area, homeowners know how comforting it can be to return to a heated home after spending time outside. However, many people don’t know that the same equipment that keeps houses toasty warm is one of the leading causes of deaths in the United States.

In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that last year, fire departments across the country responded to 370,000 residential structural fires. The blazes resulted in more than 13,000 injuries, 2,500 deaths and almost $7 billion in damage. These statistics illuminate the significance of exercising caution when operating or using heating appliances like a furnace.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are steps that you can take to ensure that your loved ones and property is safe this winter season. Experts at the NFPA recommend:

1) Keeping anything that can catch on fire at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and furnaces.

2) Creating a “kid-free zone” approximately three feet around open flames and heating equipment if you have small children. Let your little ones know that fires can be dangerous if they aren’t careful.

3) Remembering to unplug and turn off heating apparatuses any time that you go to bed or leave your house.

In addition to following the tips above, it is critical to make sure that your fire alarm system is in good working order. If it is not, don’t put your family in harm’s way. Contact a reputable Atlanta fire alarm monitoring like American Alarm.Our experienced representatives can answer any questions that you may have and offer you a free cost estimate for any of the services we offer.