As temperatures drop, residents are reminded to take precautions when heating their homes to prevent fires and ensure safety.
Authorities recommend keeping flammable materials at least three feet away from heating equipment such as furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable space heaters. A designated “kid-free zone” of three feet around open fires and space heaters is also advised.
It is important not to use ovens for home heating. Stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating systems should be installed by qualified professionals in accordance with local codes and manufacturer instructions. Annual cleaning and inspection of heating equipment and chimneys by a professional is encouraged.
Portable heaters should be turned off when leaving the room or going to bed. Only the fuel specified by the manufacturer should be used in fuel-burning space heaters. Fireplaces need sturdy screens to prevent sparks from entering the room, and ashes should cool before being placed in a metal container kept at a safe distance from the home. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly.
When using space heaters, officials advise purchasing units with seals from qualified testing laboratories. Heaters must be kept three feet away from anything that can burn, including people. Models with thermostats and overheat protection are recommended, as well as those with auto shut-off features if tipped over. Heaters should be placed on solid, flat surfaces and kept out of foot traffic without blocking exits. Children must be kept away from these devices.
Heaters should always be plugged directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords and unplugged when not in use or before bedtime.
There are several types of electric space heaters available: oil or water-filled radiators that circulate heated liquid; fan-forced heaters that blow air over metal coils; ceramic heaters where air passes over ceramic elements; and infrared heaters that generate heat via bulbs.
For wood burning stoves, installation according to manufacturer’s instructions—or by a professional—is necessary. All fuel-burning equipment must vent outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risks.
Officials stress the importance of installing and maintaining CO alarms to prevent poisoning incidents. In case of a gas smell near a heater, residents are instructed not to light the appliance but instead leave immediately and contact emergency services or their gas company.
“Source: NFPA”
