The winter chill can be unrelenting. Many of our homeowners opt to supplement their home’s heating system with alternative heating solutions. While this is a great choice to keep your teeth from chattering, these heating options are not without their dangers. We’re sharing some winter heating safety tips to ensure you stay safe while staying warm.
Winter Fire Facts
- Half of all home heating fires occur during December, January, and February.
- Heating is the second leading cause of house fires, right after cooking.
Source: National Fire Prevention Association
General Heating Tips
- Install working smoke alarms on every floor of the home and outside sleeping areas.
- Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid CO poisoning and test them monthly.
- The oven should never be used to heat the home.
Space Heater Safety Tips
- All space heaters should have a label showing that it has been listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Do not use the heater if the cord is frayed, worn, or damaged. The same guidance applies if the plug is broken or has a loose connection. Never use an extension cord or power strip – space heaters should only be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Do not plug any other devices into the same outlet.
- Keep heaters on a level surface. Avoid tables, carpets, cabinets, furniture, and other items that may overheat. Do not place heaters in high-traffic areas or doorways where family members could trip over it.
- Pets and children should be kept away from the space heater. Maintain 3 feet of distance between any other flammable materials, including rugs and clothes.
- Turn off and unplug the space heater when you are not in the room, before going to sleep, and when leaving the house.
Fire Places & Wood Burning Stoves
- Be sure that wood burning stoves are installed according to manufacturer’s specifications.
- Have a professional inspect and clean chimneys and heating equipment annually.
- Use a durable fire screen to keep sparks from coming out of the fireplace. Always allow ashes to completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
- Do not burn paper.
Stay Safe & Warm This Winter
FloodSERV hopes these tips help you stay safe while also staying warm. Remember: prevention is your best defense against needing fire damage restoration services.