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As energy costs reach record highs, many Americans are turning to portable electric space heaters and wood-, pellet-, coal- or kerosene-burning stoves and other non-traditional heating sources to defray costs.
With the increase in use comes an increase of fire risk, and the Redings Mill Fire Protection District is urging residents to be cautious when using alternative heating equipment this winter.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home-heating fires occur during winter. On average, NFPA research shows that heating equipment is involved in approximately 70,000 reported home structure fires in the United States, more than 600 deaths, nearly 1,600 injuries and more than $1 billion in direct property damage.
“As a leading cause of home fires, heating safety is a concern for every community every winter,” said Andy Nimmo, Redings Mill fire chief. “This year, with the projected increase in use of alternative heating equipment, families need to be especially vigilant to use all heating appliances properly.”
The fire protection district is encouraging people using pellet stoves, wood stoves, space heaters or any other home heating equipment this winter to follow this advice:
n Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.
n Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
n Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.
n Use a sturdy fireplace screen.
n Wood stoves should bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
n In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
n Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
n Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home — when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
n When using a fuel-burning portable heater, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer. When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.
n Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
n Never use an oven to heat your home.
n For fuel assistance, contact the National Energy Assistance referral line at 1-866-674-6327 or visit www.energynear.org.
As energy costs reach record highs, many Americans are turning to portable electric space heaters and wood-, pellet-, coal- or kerosene-burning stoves and other non-traditional heating sources to defray costs.
With the increase in use comes an increase of fire risk, and the Redings Mill Fire Protection District is urging residents to be cautious when using alternative heating equipment this winter.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home-heating fires occur during winter. On average, NFPA research shows that heating equipment is involved in approximately 70,000 reported home structure fires in the United States, more than 600 deaths, nearly 1,600 injuries and more than $1 billion in direct property damage.
“As a leading cause of home fires, heating safety is a concern for every community every winter,” said Andy Nimmo, Redings Mill fire chief. “This year, with the projected increase in use of alternative heating equipment, families need to be especially vigilant to use all heating appliances properly.”
The fire protection district is encouraging people using pellet stoves, wood stoves, space heaters or any other home heating equipment this winter to follow this advice:
n Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.
n Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
n Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.
n Use a sturdy fireplace screen.
n Wood stoves should bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
n In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
n Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
n Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home — when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
n When using a fuel-burning portable heater, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer. When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.
n Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
n Never use an oven to heat your home.
n For fuel assistance, contact the National Energy Assistance referral line at 1-866-674-6327 or visit www.energynear.org.
