Heating Safety
Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires, according to the United States Fire Administration.They also say deaths due to fires caused by heating a home are particularly preventable.
When using a space heater, always:
- Unplug them when you leave the room or before you go to sleep.
- Remember, "space heaters need space." Keep curtains and anything that could burn at least three feet away.
If heating your home with a furnace, remember to:
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Have your furnace checked regularly by a professional.
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Keep all materials (newspapers, boxes of decorations, rags, etc.) at least three feet from the furnace and water heater.
When using a wood burning fireplace or stove to heat your home, remember to:
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Burn only seasoned, dry wood.
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Have your chimney cleaned by a professional frequently to avoid a build-up of creosote. Creosote can catch on fire inside the chimney.
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Never burn paper, Christmas trees or greenery, or other items in your fireplace.
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Make sure your fireplace has glass doors or a tight fitting screen to keep sparks from flying out.
And, install and maintain smoke alarms in your home.
