Fire Safety Tips for Fall: Protecting Your Home from Seasonal Hazards

As the crisp air and falling leaves signal the arrival of autumn, it’s essential to prepare your home for the unique fire hazards that come with the season. Fall brings increased use of heating systems, festive decorations, and more time spent indoors—all of which can elevate fire risks. Follow these expert fire safety tips to keep your family and property safe this fall.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they’re working.
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year, ideally when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and test them regularly.

• Have your HVAC system and furnace professionally inspected and serviced before the cold sets in.
• Use space heaters safely:
• Keep at least three feet of clearance around heaters.
• Place heaters on solid, flat surfaces and never block exits.
• Choose models with automatic shut-off and overheat protection.
• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets—never use extension cords.
• Turn off and unplug heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

• Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning before using your fireplace for the season.
• Burn only appropriate materials—avoid liquid fire starters and never burn trash or treated wood.
• Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Keep furniture, drapes, and other combustibles at least three feet away from the fireplace.

• Store decorations, cleaning supplies, and other flammable items in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources.
• Keep holiday decorations away from open flames and heating devices.

• Never leave cooking unattended**—the leading cause of home fires is unattended cooking[4].
• Keep flammable items like pot holders and paper towels away from the stove.
• Know how to extinguish different types of fires:
  • Use a lid or cookie sheet to smother stovetop fires.
  • Never use water on grease fires; use salt, baking soda, or a Type K fire extinguisher.

• Identify two exits from every room and ensure they are clear of obstructions.
• Establish a family meeting point outside your home in case of an emergency.
• Practice fire drills regularly to ensure everyone knows how to escape quickly—aim for everyone to be out in two minutes or less.

• Clean gutters and remove leaves and debris to prevent fire hazards outside your home.
• Use ladders safely when cleaning gutters or hanging decorations: keep them on flat surfaces, have someone hold the ladder, and never stand on the top step.

• Keep decorations away from heat sources and open flames—decorations are a leading cause of seasonal home fires.
• Opt for battery-operated candles instead of real ones in jack-o’-lanterns and displays.

As you prepare your home for fall, don’t overlook your plumbing system. Leaks or faulty water heaters can create electrical hazards and increase fire risk. If you notice any plumbing issues, search for a “plumbing contractor near me” for a professional inspection and repairs. Regular maintenance by a trusted plumbing contractor near you can help prevent water-related fire hazards and keep your home safe throughout the season.

By following these fall fire safety tips, you can enjoy the season’s comforts while protecting your home and loved ones from preventable hazards. For more expert advice or to schedule a seasonal home inspection, reach out to TMG Companies—your partner in home safety and comfort.