News

As colder temps arrive, homeowners should have furnaces, fireplaces inspected

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — As it gets colder outside, furnaces and fireplaces will be in use and local fire officials say there are some things homeowners should do before turning the on.

“We need to put a little bit of effort into some maintenance, upkeep and prevention,” Washington Township Fire Department Safety Educator Scott Henry said.

>> Showers and storms expected this afternoon; cooler temperatures this week

This is the time of year where the station starts to see more fire-related calls.

“The transition from fall to winter, people are heating, we have holidays where people are around the house more, we’re inside more,” Henry added. “Really all the fires we see are related to heating, seasonal fires, and they’re preventable.”

>> 5-Day Forecast from Storm Center 7

Henry says right now, homeowners need to have their chimneys and furnaces inspected.

“You always run the risk of having a blockage in your chimney,” Henry said. “Where not all of the smoke and products of combustion go up and out.”

In addition, Henry said now is a good time to check both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your house to ensure they are working properly.

“Test them and have a conversation with everyone in your family as to what to do if they do go off.”

Kayla Courvell

Kayla Courvell

I was born and raised in a small town just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and decided as a child I was going to be a news reporter.

0
Comments on this article