Winter Home Heating Safety Tips
Heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and the third leading cause of home fire deaths.
Did you know that half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February? With the winter months upon us, it is important to refresh yourselves and family of the dangers of improperly using heating equipment. Particularly with the rising home heating costs, it is imperative to practice these safety tips from the NFPA.
- A qualified professional should install all stationary heating equipment, such as space heaters, wood stoves, water heaters and furnaces, in accordance with local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
- All fuel burning equipment needs to be externally vented to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning (CO).
- Install and maintain Carbon Monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisonings.
- If you smell gas in your home or around your gas appliances, evacuate the home immediately and call 911.
- Have your heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- If you're using a space heater, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the heater.
- Be sure to turn off portable space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.
For more helpful fire prevention tips, visit the NFPA website by clicking here.
Be safe and stay warm this winter!
**The Fire Department does NOT Inspect heating equipment**