Celebrate Fire Prevention Month With a Family Safety Plan

As we observe National Fire Prevention Month this October, Cool Experts is joining forces with Austin-area families to improve safety awareness and reduce fire risk. This year’s National Fire Protection Association campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape,” reminds families that anyone can be a fire prevention hero.

The NFPA designated the second week of October as Fire Prevention Week nearly a century ago to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, the organization celebrates Fire Prevention Month by educating U.S. homeowners about fire risks and fire escape plans.

Simple Steps to Become a Fire Prevention Hero

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a first responder to prevent a fire, protect your home—or even save a life. Start by holding a family meeting during National Fire Prevention Month. Discuss do-it-yourself safety measures that involve the whole family. Experts recommend implementing these steps to minimize house-fire risk:

• Never put off heating repairs in Round Rock, TX. A leaky heat exchanger or unaddressed wiring problem could cause carbon monoxide poisoning or electrical fires. All heating problems should be resolved promptly and with the help of a trained professional.
• Install smoke alarms on every level and in every sleeping area. According to the NFPA, three of every five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Maintain installed smoke detectors by testing them once a month and changing batteries when you change your clocks. Update devices every 10 years. For hassle-free protection, buy a sealed battery smoke detector powered by a 10-year, non-replaceable lithium-ion battery.
• Create a simple escape plan and practice with your family. Every second counts in a fire, and your ability to get out of your house depends on smoke alarm warnings and an escape plan, says the NFPA. Visit the NFPA for detailed information about escape planning, where you can download a free grid to draw your home and plot windows, doors and other points of entry. Once you’ve created an escape plan, make sure doors and windows are not blocked—and establish a safe outdoor meeting place known by all family members.
• Get your heating system inspected by a NATE-certified professional. Fall is time for heating maintenance. Cool Experts’ comfort specialists prioritize your safety by checking for flue blockages; inspecting vents, electrical connections and heating components; conducting a carbon monoxide test; and testing combustion burners. If your inspection reveals a need for heating repair services in Cedar Park, TX, we’ll provide a no-gimmicks estimate with upfront pricing.

Trust Cool Experts to Keep HVAC Equipment Safe

October is the month to discuss fire safety planning and schedule HVAC checkups before furnace weather arrives. Ask about Cool Experts’ affordable HVAC maintenance agreements, furnace safety inspections and heating repair services in Cedar Park, TX.

To request a heater repair or sign up for seasonal maintenance, call 512.588.1452 or connect online. For more information about fire escape plans or to download escape guides for single-family, multi-family and high-rise apartment buildings, visit the Red Cross.