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Safety

Fire Prevention Month

By October 12, 2020April 1st, 2023No Comments
Fire prevention month, Fire Prevention Month

Fire Prevention Month (and Week) is Sunday, October 6th through Saturday, October 12th. This week raises awareness about fire safety and home safety to ensure that your home and loved ones are prepared in case of an emergency. This October we urge you to discuss fire safety with your family. Keep reading to learn more about fire safety and steps you can take to prevent tragedy in your home. 

What is Fire Prevention Month? 

In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, Fire Prevention Week and Month is celebrated by raising fire safety awareness in the community and across the United States. This month is the perfect time to discuss fire safety topics with your loved ones. Create evacuation plans, test your home’s smoke alarms and CO Monoxide detectors, and ensure that fire extinguishers are working and accessible. You never know when a fire may strike, but you can be prepared for it. 

HVAC Fire Hazards

Did you know that HVAC systems can pose a fire hazard in your home if not properly serviced and installed? At Lowery, we understand the importance of keeping your home and family safe. If your HVAC unit is experiencing any of the following problems, call us today to ensure that your home and loved ones are protected.

  • Electrical Connections: One of the leading causes of HVAC-related fires are bad electrical connections. If your unit has not been serviced in a while, the wires can become loose. Over time, loose wires cannot handle the high demand for power and can trigger a fire. 
    • If you smell smoke or burning plastic, exit the home and call 911 immediately. 
  • Leaking Fuel Line: Without regular maintenance inspections, leaking fuel lines can go unnoticed. When a highly flammable substance – such as oil, gas, and petroleum – mixes with the heat from your unit, the chances of a dangerous fire become much higher. 
    • We recommend periodic inspections to ensure your HVAC system is running smoothly and efficiently; especially with the changing season. 
  • Faulty Gas Connections: Increased gas pressure causes the heat exchanger to overheat. Low gas pressure can result in condensation on the connections. Either scenario increases the risk of damage and fires. 
    • If your HVAC unit has been neglected, a potential gas leak and poor air quality throughout your home can lead to a fire. 
  • Crowded Furnace: The easiest problem to prevent is an HVAC fire due to a crowded furnace. Shoving crates, boxes, cleaning materials, or other miscellaneous items on or around your HVAC system can not only damage the unit but greatly increases the risk of a fire. To avoid this, ensure that all nonessential equipment is removed from the area. 
    • Make sure that no flammable chemicals – such as cleaning products – are kept near the unit. 

How to Prevent an HVAC Fire

While it is possible for an HVAC system to catch fire at random, more often than not, your unit can be inspected and repaired before any severe damage occurs. The best way to prevent damage, leakage, or circulatory problems is to call an HVAC professional to inspect your unit thoroughly. If you want to ensure that your home and loved ones are protected, you must first play an active role in to promote safety in your home. If you are concerned there may be an issue with your HVAC system, or you smell burning wires, gas, oil, or any other suspicious material, contact Lowery immediately for an inspection.