Fire Protection for your Property During the Winter months

With the winter months fast approaching, there are many things you should take in to consideration when it comes to protecting your property against fire damage.

If you heat your home with propane or natural gas, the first precaution you should take is to ensure that the vent out side is clear of all obstruction at least three feet in any direction. Fallen leaves, overgrown shrubs, and snow build up and could create blockages for your vent.

If you are using a space heater, be sure to check with the manufacturer to determine how often you will need to clean or change the filter. In most cases, it is recommended that the filter is cleaned on a weekly basis.

During the winter months, everyone loves the ambiance and the warmth of a fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove. After all, this IS Vermont! To start the season off right,  replace the batteries in your AC smoke, smoke/CO, and CO detectors. And while you’re at it, you will want to take a little extra time to use compressed air to clean the detectors, as well. Take note of how old the detectors are, there is usually a date displayed that displays the date of manufacture. Depending on the brand, most AC smoke/CO and CO detectors typically have a five to seven year life span whlie AC smoke detectors can last as long as ten years.

If you have any questions or need assistance feel free to contact us at anytime.

Planning an Escape Route

We all think we know our homes like the back of our hands and that, in case of an emergency, determining the best path to safety will be second nature. Nevertheless, the team at Summit Fire & security recommends contacting your local Fire Department for ideas on the best ways to make your home safer and for being prepared for any emergency.

What else can you do to stay safe in an emergency?

  • Don’t panic
  • Stay calm
  • Stick to your escape plan
  • Get out as quickly as possible
  • Feel the door before opening. If it’s cool, then open it slowly. If it’s hot, don’t open it and find an alternate route
  • Keep doors and windows closed unless you need to escape through them
  • Remember to cover your nose and mouth with a cloth damp if possible
  • Meet at your designated area for a head count
  • Never go back into a burning building for any reason.

Safety and Security FAQs

The team at Summit Fire & Security want to offer you these simple ideas to protect your home and family.

  1. Don’t cover or plant bushes or shrubs in front of your windows as this allows thieves to hide in and possibly enter your home with out being detected.
  2. Install motion lights around your home, when your yard lights up when intruders approach, they will think twice before going any further.