The Park Forest Fire Department reminds residents to perform safety checks before turning on their heat.
Early morning temperatures across the Village have dipped as low as the mid-30s this week, prompting frost and freeze warnings around Chicagoland. As fall continues and winter is on the horizon, Park Forest Deputy Fire Chief Mark Cotrano said residents should do a few things prior to turning the heat on to prevent a possible fire.
"Be sure to check your air filters," Cotrano said. Clean around the furnace or heat pump and ensure carbon monoxide detectors are working. Also, it's a good time to make sure your fire detectors are working."
Cotrano said turning on your heat without changing a very dirty air filter can potentially cause a fire. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and, in extreme cases, ignite nearby materials. He added that this is considered a serious safety concern, and it's important to change your air filter regularly to prevent this risk.
When you turn on the heat, it's common to notice a burning smell the first time the furnace is fired up. If you do, it's most likely just dust that's accumulated while the furnace wasn't in use.
For those who use space heaters, Cotrano warned against using a power strip or extension cord because most aren't designed to handle the high electrical current a space heater draws. Overheating and potential fire hazards can result from overloading the power strip or extension cord. He said to always plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet.
Additionally, Cotrano said to leave at least three feet of space between your space heater and anything that can burn, including furniture, clothing, bedding, and curtains. He said these heaters shouldn’t be left on overnight, as that too can present a fire risk.
"Last week was Fire Prevention Week," Cotrano said. "Since our open house, the weather turned cold overnight. So, we want to remind residents to take these extra steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."