Fall Home Heating & Chimney Safety

Fall Home Heating & Chimney Safety: Preparing for the Cooler Months Ahead

​As late-summer warm spells begin to fade, cool autumn nights are just around the corner in Central Illinois. Before we turn on the furnace or light up the fireplace for the first time this season, the New Holland Fire Department encourages all residents to take a few proactive steps to ensure their home heating systems are safe and efficient.

​Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the fall and winter months. Fortunately, most home heating fires are easily preventable with basic maintenance and safe operating habits.

​1. Schedule Annual Heating System Maintenance

​Whether your home uses a central furnace, a wood-burning stove, or a fireplace, get your systems inspected before the first cold drop in temperature.

• ​Inspect Chimneys & Flues: Creosote—a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood—can build up inside chimneys over time. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney annually to prevent dangerous flue fires.
• ​Service Your Furnace: Have a qualified technician inspect your furnace, burners, and heat exchanger to ensure proper operation and prevent carbon monoxide leaks.
• ​Change Air Filters: Replace furnace air filters regularly. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and potentially overheat.

​2. Space Heater Safety Basics

​Portable space heaters are convenient for taking the chill off a room, but they require strict attention when in use.

• ​The 3-Foot Rule: Keep anything that can burn—including curtains, bedding, furniture, rugs, and clothing—at least 3 feet away from all space heaters.
• ​Plug Directly into Wall Outlets: Never use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater. Space heaters draw heavy electrical current, which can easily overheat an extension cord and cause an electrical fire.
• ​Turn Them Off When Leaving: Always shut off and unplug space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

​3. Fireplace & Ash Disposal Caution

​Enjoying a warm fire on a crisp evening is a fall staple, but proper ash management is crucial.

• ​Use a Fireplace Screen: Always place a sturdy metal screen or glass door in front of the fireplace to catch floating embers and flying sparks.
• ​Cool Ashes Completely: Coals and ashes can retain hidden heat for days after a fire appears to be out.
• ​Safe Ash Disposal: Never deposit ashes into plastic trash cans, cardboard boxes, or bags. Place cooled ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, douse them with water, and store the container outdoors at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or deck.

​Free Smoke Detector Program:

​If your home's smoke alarms are older than 10 years, they need complete replacement. Through the "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors for all residents within our district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.




​Stay warm and stay safe, New Holland! If you smell gas, suspect a carbon monoxide issue, or experience any emergency, leave the house immediately and dial 911.