Winter Fire Safety

Brrrrr! It's cold outside. With a decrease in temperatures comes an increase in the use of alternative sources for heating your home. Many are seeking to supplement their primary heating source while saving money, while others are seeking the cozy atmosphere of a fireplace. Whatever your reason for having an alternative heating source, it's important for you to consider the dangers and take the appropriate precautions.

Fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and space heaters are increasing in popularity and if you have one in your home, they increase your chances of a fire. These fires can be prevented if you follow these safety tips.

Electric space heaters come in handy for those rooms that just don't seem to get warm enough. When purchasing one, get one that has a thermostat control that will switch off if the heater falls over. Also, make sure it's listed with the Underwriters Laboratory. Keep in mind that this is an electric "space" heater and it needs just that, SPACE! Like the wood stove, keep a 3 feet radius around the heater to keep objects from catching on fire. This means you can't use the space heater as a clothes drier or bun warmer. Always unplug the heater when it's not being used.

Now we come to the use of kerosene heaters. Before you run out and buy a kerosene heater call your local fire department to check on the legality of using one in your neighborhood. The operational parameters for a kerosene heater are similar to the electric space heater. Buy one that's UL listed and keep it clear of flammable objects. Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room and never use gasoline or camp stove fuel in your heater. Both fuels will flare-up easily. Use the manufacturer specified fuel in your heater, which is typically crystal clear K1 kerosene.

Wood stoves add a nice atmosphere to your home, while keeping it warm. They are also the cause of over 4,000 residential fires a year. If you haven't purchased a wood stove yet, look for one made of solid construction, like plate steel or cast iron. When installing a wood stove, take great care to follow the instructions. Periodically check for cracks and inspect the legs, hinges, and door seals. Do NOT burn green wood, artificial logs, or trash in your wood stove. Keep a 3 foot radius around your wood stove to prevent flammables from igniting.

Fireplaces share a rustic ambiance with wood stoves, but present other challenges with regard to maintenance and fire safety. A fireplace needs to be cleaned out frequently to prevent creosote build up. Regularly check for obstructions and cracks to prevent chimney and roof fires that can be costly, and even deadly. Like the wood stove, never burn trash, paper, or green wood which can produce additional creosote and can be difficult to control. The entrance to the fireplace should be fully screened off to prevent logs from rolling out and to catch flying sparks. When stoking your fireplace, don't wear loose fitting clothing. Make sure your fireplace is completely out before leaving home or going to bed.

The ashes of a wood stove or fireplace can harbor embers that are hot, even days after they have been removed from the source. Store these ashes in tightly sealed metal container outside the home and away from anything flammable.

No matter what means you use to heat your home, make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor and a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Stay warm, and safe!