Winter heating ways and household fires

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that in 2018 43% of the winter home fires were due to Space heaters. 

When winter hits we all try to keep warm and seek cost-efficient ways. The most common is space heaters. A space heater can be also dangerous if not attended to. 

Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association: 

• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.

If you had a fire caused by heating your home call SERVPRO of Osceola at 407-933-0707

#spaceheaterfires #SERVPROofosceola #osceloa 

#spaceheatertip