FALL SAFETY TIPS

HEATING EQUIPMENT SAFETY

OIL BURNERS

Many homes are heated by equipment using oil as a fuel.  Oil is an efficient way to heat a home.  Oil can also be used to heat domestic hot water.

Oil burning equipment should be maintained on a regular basis by qualified oil burner technicians.

The following are some safety tips regarding oil heat:

·        Have the burners serviced at regular intervals - AT LEAST once a year

·        Never store flammable materials within five feet of oil burners

·        Inspect oil lines at regular intervals for leaks

·        Locate your emergency shut off switch.  This is usually located near the cellar door or in a room that does not contain the oil burner.

·        Have the chimney inspected and serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year.

In the event that you ever discover smoke in your cellar, turn off the Oil Burner Emergency switch if it is safe to do so, leave the house and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.

Massachusetts General Laws require that all oil burner installations shall be done by persons possessing a valid Certificate as an Oil Burner Technician.  Permits are also required from the Fire Department prior to any oil burner or oil tank installation.  To ensure your safety, make sure that only competent oil burner technicians maintain and install your oil burning systems.

NATURAL GAS/PROPANE

Natural gas and propane installations are regulated by the Plumbing and Gas Inspector (508) 485-0710 extension 3018. 

The following are safety tips regarding natural gas and propane installations:

·        Have the burners serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year

·        Never store flammable materials within five feet of the units

·        Locate your emergency shut off switch.  This is usually located near the cellar door or in a room that does not contain the oil burner.

·        Have the chimney inspected and serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year.

WARNING: In the event that you smell natural gas or propane inside your house, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY, DO NOT turn lights on or off, or use the telephone.  Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.  ANY spark from a light switch or telephone may be enough to ignite the gas.

WOOD BURNING and PELLET STOVES

• Has to be installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.  A permit is required by the Building Inspector

• DO NOT place combustibles, including wood, within 3' of the stove
•   Have the chimney inspected and serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year.

SMOKE DETECTOR TEST & BATTERY  CHANGE

On the first Sunday of November (a change starting in 2007) we change our clocks BACK one hour to Standard Time.

When you change your clock back, you are reminded to change your Smoke Detector Batteries.

Also, your smoke detectors should be tested on a weekly basis.

Properly operating and maintained smoke detectors are your eyes, ears and nose when you are sleeping.  Please make sure that they are working properly at all times!