As cold weather settles across the area, Park Forest fire officials are reminding residents to take precautions before turning on their furnaces for the first time this season.

Park Forest Fire Chief Mark Cotrano said homeowners should have their heating systems inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional to ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently.

“After sitting idle all summer, your furnace could have dust buildup or mechanical issues that aren’t immediately noticeable,” Cotrano said. “A professional inspection can help prevent problems like carbon monoxide leaks or even fires once you turn on the heat.”

Cotrano said residents should also check and replace furnace filters to improve air quality and system performance. “A dirty filter can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, wasting energy and potentially leading to overheating,” Cotrano said.

For those using space heaters, Cotrano emphasized the importance of keeping them at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials. He also urged residents to never leave a space heater unattended or plugged in while sleeping.

“Space heaters are one of the leading causes of home heating fires,” Cotrano said. “If you use one, make sure it has an automatic shut-off feature and is placed on a flat, stable surface.”

This week, the Park Forest Fire Department is also conducting a community outreach blitz to install smoke detectors in local homes. Firefighters are going door-to-door to make sure residents have working alarms and understand how to test them regularly.

“Working smoke detectors save lives,” Cotrano said. “They give you those crucial extra seconds to escape if there’s a fire. We want to make sure every home in Park Forest is protected before the winter heating season really sets in.”

Residents interested in receiving a free smoke detector or scheduling an installation can contact the Park Forest Fire Department at (708) 748-5605.