Eliminate Your Risk of Space Heater Fire
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S homes.
In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces warm, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, heating equipment is responsible for 490 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in direct property damage. Space heaters are the type of heating equipment most often involved in home heating fires, figuring in two of every five of these fires and accounting for 86% of associated civilian deaths, 78% of civilian injuries, and 54% of direct property damage.
Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
Ways to help reduce the risk of a heating related fire.
- Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
- Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- 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.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.