Our seasons are changing and with that comes some extra precautions to take around the house when getting ready for colder weather.

It's Fire Prevention week in Okotoks and there are a few things to check when firing up your furnace.

"Check and make sure there is nothing combustible around the furnace and check the air intake on your furnace," said Cpt. Garth Misura.

All furnaces will have a vent outside that sucks air in and sometimes there will be plants, birds, mice or other debris that will obstruct the vent.

"A furnace needs fresh air other wise you could end up with CO in your house," cautioned Misura.

There is more to fall clean up than just raking leaves, putting away plants and cleaning up the yard. Misura wants to remind people that outside planters do not make good ashtrays. He said many people don't smoke in their homes anymore and they often use outdoor planters put out their cigarette and it can quickly become a fire hazard.

Misura explained why, "The stuff in planters, that organic material, will smolder for a long time from a cigarette butt and then if the wind picks up or the weather changes or anything else happens, it'll pop up into flames."

It's important to keep in mind fire safety when decorating your home for fall, Halloween or any occasion. Misura has some tips when decorating for special occasions.

"Pay attention to the gas fireplace and the stove when decorating. It's important not to stack Halloween decorations and paper around your gas fire place and your stove."

The Okotoks Fire Department is offering free fire safety home inspections.

Misura explains the process. "We'll come to your house it takes about 15 or 20 minutes and check your smoke detector and make sure you have a CO detector and suggest you have fire extinguisher and tell you where to put it. We look around in your furnace room and make sure there's nothing around your furnace, hot water tank or other gas fired appliances."

Okotoks Fire Department is encouraging people to take advantage of this service. To sign up for a home inspection call the north fire hall.

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