From OHIO DIVISIONS OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal says Ohioans can also gain some peace of mind by checking to ensure all smoke and CO alarms are working properly.
Testing and replacing batteries in these alarms only takes a few minutes, but it plays a critical role in protecting people. According to the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms significantly reduce the risk of dying in a home fire. Yet many fire-related deaths occur in homes without functioning alarms.
Check an alarm in three steps:
- Replace batteries in all smoke alarms that do not have sealed batteries. Some smoke alarms may have sealed 10-year batteries that do not require changing.
- Test all alarms in the home to make sure they properly sound. Alarms can be tested by pressing the “test” button.
- Verify that alarms have not exceeded their expiration date. Dates of manufacture can be found on the back panel of the alarm. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, so if an alarm has a manufacture date of 2016 or older, it should be replaced with a new device.
Instead of testing smoke alarms twice a year, the state fire marshal urges homeowners to test alarms on a monthly basis to ensure continued proper operation. In addition, alarms should be installed strategically throughout the home, with alarms located inside every room, in main hallways, and on every level, including the basement. Individuals who need smoke alarms should contact their local fire department or local chapter of the American Red Cross. Additional smoke alarm facts and safety tips can be found on the Division of State Fire Marshal website.
In addition to checking smoke alarms, Ohioans are also encouraged to check and install carbon monoxide, or CO, detectors. Commonly referred to as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and can kill without warning. The gas cannot be detected without a carbon monoxide detector. These detectors should be located on every level of a home, with at least one located near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide detectors should be located away from smoke detectors so residents can easily identify which detector is sounding. Carbon monoxide can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance or equipment.
While the time change is often associated with checking alarms, this can also be a time for Ohioans to take steps to ensure heating systems in their homes and businesses are ready for the upcoming colder season. The Divisions of State Fire Marshal and Industrial Compliance encourage all residents to schedule inspections and routine maintenance to keep systems operating safely and efficiently throughout the winter.
Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon says proper maintenance of these systems is vital to preventing fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur with little to no notice and can be deadly.
“Routine heating system maintenance is one of the simplest steps Ohioans can take to protect their homes,” Reardon said. “When your equipment is checked before winter sets in, hidden problems are seen early, which reduces the risk of fires, carbon monoxide incidents, and costly emergencies. A little preparation now goes a long way toward keeping your family safe all season.”
Division of Industrial Compliance Superintendent Robb Coventry adds that routine upkeep not only can enhance safety, it can also reduce monthly utility costs.
“Whether you live in a house, apartment, manufactured home, or if you operate a business location, a few simple steps can help you stay safe, warm, and potentially save money this winter,” Coventry said. “A quick inspection today can prevent major problems down the road.”
Why heating system inspections matter:
- Prevent fire hazards
- Faulty furnaces, blocked chimneys, and malfunctioning space heaters are leading causes of winter house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 40,000 home heating equipment fires each year, resulting in over 400 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and $1.1 billion in property damage.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- Cracked heat exchangers and obstructed vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning sends more than 14,000 people to the hospital annually and claims over 400 lives.
- Improve efficiency
- A well-maintained system heats more effectively and uses less energy.
- Extend equipment life
- Regular maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns and prolongs the lifespan of heating equipment.
Heating safety tips and recommendations
The state fire marshal’s office and division of industrial compliance urge Ohioans to follow safety practices when using any type of heating equipment.
- Keep blankets, curtains, furniture, and other combustibles at least three feet away from heating sources.
- Use space heaters with automatic tip-over shutoff and never leave them running unattended.
- Never use ovens or ranges to heat homes. Kerosene or torpedo heaters should never be used indoors due to CO risks.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries regularly.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Check the manufacturing date on the back of each unit.
- Insulate exposed water pipes to prevent freezing.
- Inspect and repair skirting around manufactured homes to maintain stable temperatures.
- Keep vents clear to ensure proper airflow.
- Use draft stoppers or thermal curtains to reduce heat loss around doors and windows.
- Consider using heat tape on pipes in order to provide steady, targeted warmth that helps keep exposed pipes from freezing and bursting during cold weather.
For more information and a full list of winter heating safety resources, visit the Ohio Department of Commerce’s winter safety resource page.
