Help Prevent Heat Related Fires

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

It’s going to get cold again here soon…

Besides using the fireplace to stay warm some people use alternative sources such as portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Heating equipment is the cause for many residential fires annually, causing deaths, injury and property damage. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of a heating-related fire:

-Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment

-Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers instructions

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed

-Plug space heaters directly into outlets, never into an extension cord or power strip.

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters

-Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your home and business.

-Test alarms monthly

-Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional

-Make sure fireplaces have a screen to help prevent sparks

-Make sure ashes are cool before putting them in a metal container

For more information on safety tips call your local fire department.