General Safety Tips
PrintClear the Area
Make sure the area around your heating system is clear and provides for good air circulation. Keep all flammable materials, such as clothing, cardboard boxes, paint thinners, fuels and solvents, far away from your furnace/heating system.
Watch Space Heaters
If using portable space heaters, follow manufacturer instructions for safe use. Always place them a minimum of 3 feet away from combustible material, such as drapes, clothing, furniture, etc. Never leave space heaters unattended.
Check the Chimney
Make sure nothing is obstructing your chimney. Since many furnaces vent into the chimney, the chimney must be free of debris to safely allow products of combustion to properly vent into the air.
Get a Detector if You Have a Gas Heating System
Your furnace will run consistently in the cold weather so you may want to install a carbon monoxide detector, a device that alerts homeowners of any build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide inside your home.
Avoid Power Lines
Look up before doing any overhead work, like cleaning gutters or installing storm windows. Inspect the area for overhead power lines and potential contact. Watch for overhead power lines when moving irrigation pipes, trimming trees, working with ladders, flying kites, or operating motor equipment. Overhead power lines are dangerous. Always take a moment to look around and inspect the area for possible interference with overhead power lines. Also, if you see something with power lines that looks potentially dangerous, please let us know and we will investigate.
