The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs is reminding everyone that, although fire safety is a year-round concern, this time of year brings with it some cool weather-related issues.
You can find the full list of safety tips on their website at www.oafc.on.ca/autumn-fire-safety, but here’s a sampling of tips:
• Never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves. The catalytic converter or exhaust system could ignite them — and then your vehicle.
• Remove the fuel from lawn mowers and other equipment before storing them for winter. It will prevent escaping vapours from starting a fire.
• Have your furnace cleaned and inspected by a certified HVAC contractor before turning it on for the first time this season.
• Keep all flammable materials away from your furnace.
• Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms, especially if you heat with gas.
• Have fireplaces and fireplace dampers checked.
• Wood-burning stoves should be inspected to ensure the flue and chimney don’t have creosote buildup, which can start a fire.
• Never use flammable liquid to start a fire in a fireplace.
• Don’t overload your hearth with wood or artificial logs, so your fire doesn’t get out of control.
• Put all ashes outside, away from the house and in a metal container.
Link to original article in Brampton Guardian: Don't park on top of leaves, and other fall fire safety tips