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Insights > Keep your home safe this fall with these tips
Keep your home safe this fall with these tips
10/06/2022
As cooler weather approaches, experts agree now is the best time to perform improvements and check areas that may need maintenance around your home. Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans encourage customers to consider the following safety tips when working inside and outside their home.
Interior safety
It’s important to have a professional inspect and clean your furnace and fireplace to ensure both are within good standards. Fallen leaves, animal nests and other debris can cause the smoke from your fireplace to vent into your home rather than outside your home, which could cause a fire. Regularly replace the air filters in your furnace and if you have allergies, consider special filters that provide extra protection against allergens.
Daylight Saving Time
As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end, now is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. All homes should contain a carbon monoxide detector to help identify the colorless and odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
Fire hazards
Getting in the seasonal spirit may mean lighting a few scented candles but remember to never leave a burning candle unattended. A small sputter or an errant flame can cause a fire in an instant.
If you are using a space heater to stay warm, be sure to only use it when you are at home to monitor its activity. Space heaters consume more energy than other heating systems and are a fire hazard, so keep them at least three feet away from rugs, furniture, and anything flammable.
Exterior safety
For exterior or outside safety, when performing maintenance activities that require a ladder, be sure to wear proper footwear, position the ladder on a flat surface, and have someone nearby to spot you. Keep in mind that when cleaning up fallen leaves and broken limbs brought down by brisk autumn breezes, stay away from power lines, and always consult with a professional for trimming trees. If trimmings fall onto power lines, assume downed wires are energized and call 1-800-ENTERGY for help.
