As fall weather starts to move its way into the county, it’s a good time to review some fire prevention strategies before turning the heaters and furnaces to full blast.

After more than a handful of fires since the beginning of October, Zanesville Fire Department Acting Lieutenant Trent Abrams shared some safety tips for the colder months of the year.

First, Abrams addressed space heaters used inside homes. Abrams stressed the importance of plugging the heater directly into a wall outlet instead of using extension cords. He also emphasized ensuring tip over protection so that if the heater is knocked over, it shuts off.

It also means placing the space heater in an area with limited foot traffic. Abrams said to also make sure space heaters are approved for indoor use. When refueling a heater, Abrams said to take it outdoors and ensure the device has had time to cool.

For those turning their furnaces on for the first time this year, Abrams said it is important to change the filters and give the furnace a test run before trusting it to run overnight without being monitored.

“Try to make sure it’s on during the day time when you’re there to monitor to make sure everything is operating properly,” said Abrams.

Lastly, Abrams encourages anyone in need of a smoke detector to pick one up from any fire department, free of charge.

Should a fire start inside a home, Abrams said the residents should have a fire plan with a designated meeting place already decided so that when the fire department arrives, it is easier to know if someone is trapped inside.