Tips To Prevent Winter Heat-Source Fires

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Fireplaces should always have a screen

Whether you use a furnace, wood-stove, fireplace, or space heaters to heat your home during the winter, operating each of these devices correctly will greatly reduce your chances of a fire.

Furnaces: Periodically check and/or change your air filter to avoid flammable build-ups. Schedule annual inspections of your furnace to ensure it is functioning properly.

Fireplaces: Always use a metal or tempered-glass screen while operating your fireplace. It is also important to have your chimney and/or vents cleaned and inspected at least once a year.

Woodstoves: Never leave a woodstove door open. The only time the door should be open is when you are A) starting the fire, or B) adding wood to an existing fire.

Space Heaters/Electric Radiators: Always plug space heaters directly into a wall; this means no extension cords or surge protectors. Be sure that your space heater has an automatic shut-off in case it tips over. Always keep any flammables at least 3 feet away from heat sources.