Community Corner

Fire Officials Offer Heating Safety Tips

Brush up on fire prevention, and avoid becoming a seasonal statistic.

As we head further into winter, fire officials urge us to brush up on fire prevention and safety related to heating our homes.

This time of year accounts for a larger percentage of residential structure fires than any other period. Most of the season's fires occur in the kitchen, so don’t allow yourself to be distracted when cooking. If you must leave the kitchen, carry something with you as a reminder.

Here are other helpful, seasonal tips:

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Home Heating Systems

Have your heating system professionally inspected, cleaned and serviced every year. Many companies offer discounted rates for a maintenance call versus an emergency repair.

Space Heaters

Space heaters can be dangerous if not used following general safety guidelines. Check your owner’s manuals for general maintenance and cleaning instructions. Before using space heaters, inspect them for damage, including the power cord, and know how to operate them safely. It is more economical to replace older units than to have them repaired. Newer units are safer because of improved safety features and are more economical to operate. Discard old faulty space heaters in a way that they cannot be used by someone else.

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Fuel-Fired Devices

Flammable liquids should not be stored in inside the home or in an attached garage or shed. This includes any unused fuel still in the fuel tank. Store this equipment away from your home or drain excess fuel out of the tank before storing. This simple safety precaution will help prevent accidental fires from escaping fuel vapors.

Smoke Detectors

Don’t assume these life saving appliances work just by looking at it. They require some basic maintenance to make sure they will work properly. Nuisance or false alarms are the number one cause for battery removal and are usually caused by installing units too close to the kitchen and or heating vents. Relocate units closer to or inside sleeping areas to prevent false alarms. Also:

  • Replace the battery when necessary or at least once a year.
  • Clean dust from around the cover to let air flow inside.
  • Replace units that are 10 years old or if its reliability is in question.
  • Push the test button once a month to make sure it works properly.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. Also:

  • CO detectors should be used in homes that use natural gas, propane, or wood-burning appliances.
  • Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.

For more information on how you can help protect yourself and your family from fire, visit FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration.

 


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