Winter Heating Safety

From Winter Heating Safety

Post holiday bills and high heating costs sometimes drive citizens to heat their homes with alternative sources. This time of year we see a spike in home heating fires caused by wood burning stoves, fireplaces and space heaters. You can reduce your chances of a heating-related fire by following these tips:

• Ensure space heaters are kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn. They should also have a tip-over shutoff switch.


• Have chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned each year.
  


• Dispose of fireplace and wood stove ashes in a metal container–never use a paper bag or cardboard box.
  


• Use a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting drapes, furniture and carpets.
  


• Ensure wood stoves are properly installed.
  


• Never use a range or oven to heat your home.

And, we can never mention it enough -- ensure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home, outside sleeping areas and, for maximum protection, one in each bedroom!