Prepare for Cold Weather: Tips and Reminders

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Winter is approaching and as people begin to winterize their homes by turning on their heaters or furnaces, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire.

According to AJ Marshall, co-owner of Marshall Hardware, there are safe options to choose from when it comes to portable indoor heaters.

He said a ceramic heater was a popular and safe choice.

He explained that a plate inside the heater is heating up. Still, it will get hot, so it’s best not to have flammable items around. He said these types of heaters have a toggle switch, so as long as it’s not too close to anything there won’t be any problems.

There are also oil coolers. He said they have a toggle switch like the ceramic models.

However, Marshall said that regardless of the type of heater, it’s important to check with an electrician to make sure your home is rated for the amount of electricity a heater would draw.

Collin Pedersen, operations associate at Fired Up Hearth and Grill, said it’s important for homeowners to have their chimneys inspected annually.

“So we’re looking for creosote, which is a dangerous, flammable substance that causes chimney fires,” he said. “We are also inspecting the chimney for signs of damage.”

Deterioration could also pose a fire hazard, he said.

Marshall also said it’s good to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This means you need to make sure they are working and the batteries are good. He explained that it’s about being preventable and recognizing things before they happen.

Debora Joyce, customer service representative at All Service Professionals (ASP), explained that it is also important to maintain the air conditioning system regularly. She said this could avoid fire risks such as dirty pipes and poor wiring.

For those who live in rental apartments, Joyce has some tips.

“Check your batteries in your thermostat, check your filters and if those aren’t working you can always call your landlord or homeowner,” she said.

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