A Heating Season Safety Checklist for Ann Arbor Homes

Service the furnace

Have your furnace or boiler inspected by a qualified technician before the cold sets in. A professional check can catch cracked heat exchangers, blocked flues and other problems that affect both safety and efficiency. Replace or clean filters regularly through the season.

Check carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon monoxide has no color or smell, and fuel-burning appliances work hardest in winter.

• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and near sleeping areas, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Test them regularly and replace them when they reach the end of their service life.
• If an alarm sounds, get everyone outside to fresh air and call emergency services.

Test smoke alarms

Smoke alarms belong inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and replace alarms that are past the date recommended by the manufacturer. Interconnected alarms sound together, which helps everyone hear a warning.

Use heaters and fireplaces safely

• Keep space heaters well away from bedding, curtains and furniture, and plug them directly into the wall.
• Turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned, use a fireplace screen, and let ashes cool fully in a metal container outdoors.
• Never leave candles burning unattended, and keep them away from anything that can catch fire.
• Never use an oven, grill or generator to heat indoor spaces.

Keep vents and exits clear of snow

Many modern furnaces, water heaters and dryers vent through a side wall close to the ground. Heavy or drifting snow can block those vents and push exhaust back into the home. After each snowfall, check that exhaust and intake vents are clear, and keep doors, windows and basement egress wells free of snow and ice so everyone can get out quickly.

Make a household plan

Agree on escape routes and a meeting spot outside, and practice with everyone at home. Our fire safety service can review alarms and exits, and our home security service can add lighting and monitoring that work alongside them.