10/17/2026
🍂🔥 FALL FIRE SAFETY REMINDER FROM ELKHORN AREA FIRE DEPARTMENT! 🚒
As temperatures begin to drop and we start turning on our furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces, the Elkhorn Area Fire Department wants to remind everyone to take a few extra precautions to keep their homes and families safe this fall and winter!
🔥 SPACE HEATERS
* Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from furniture, curtains, blankets, and anything that can burn.
* Never plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Always plug it directly into a wall outlet.
* Turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
* Never leave space heaters unattended around children or pets.
🏠 FURNACES & HEATING SYSTEMS
* Have your furnace inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician.
* Replace furnace filters regularly.
* Keep storage items and combustible materials away from furnaces and heating equipment.
* Make sure furnace exhaust vents are clear of debris, leaves, and snow.
⚡ POWER STRIPS & ELECTRICAL SAFETY
* Never plug space heaters or other high-wattage heating appliances into power strips.
* Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords.
* Never connect multiple power strips together.
* Replace damaged cords and outlets immediately.
* Remember, power strips do not increase the amount of electricity an outlet can safely supply!
🔥 FIREPLACES & WOOD STOVES
* Have chimneys and fireplaces inspected and cleaned annually.
* Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
* Burn only properly seasoned firewood.
* Never leave a fire unattended.
* Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, stored outdoors away from buildings and combustible materials.
⚠️ NATURAL GAS & CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY
* If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a natural gas leak, leave the building immediately!
* Do NOT operate light switches, electrical devices, or anything that could create a spark.
* Once safely outside and away from the building, call 911 or your natural gas utility’s emergency number.
* Never use your oven or stove to heat your home.
* Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
* Remember, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and can be deadly!
🚨 SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!
Test your alarms monthly, replace batteries when needed, and make sure your family has a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room.
🍁 A little prevention now can prevent a tragedy later!
As we head into the colder months, the men and women of the Elkhorn Area Fire Department encourage everyone to take a few minutes to inspect their heating equipment and review these important safety tips.
Stay warm, stay safe, and help us keep our community fire-safe this fall! 🚒🍂
