November is a time when the heater is starting to heat up again. All heating systems if not used properly or used without safety in mind can cause serious damage to property. Improper use may pose great danger to the user. Below are some simple precautionary steps to prevent accident related to heater use.

Check baseboard heaters often to remove objects that have fallen on top of or near the heater. Remember that any time objects like newspapers, furniture or blankets are close to heaters, a fire can start.

Portable heaters heat up rapidly and, like baseboard heaters, they can easily ignite any flammable item left nearby. Always turn portable heaters off if you leave the room or are going to fall asleep.

When you use your fireplace or wood stove to heat your home, keep the door and or fire screen shut to protect your home from sparks. Garbage and green wood can cause a chimney fire.  Remember to have your chimney inspected and serviced before each heating season and change the batteries in your smoke alarms too.  A working smoke alarm could save your life.

Below are Home Heating Safety Factsheet and Heater Maintenance Checklist:

Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters are very efficient, but they can be a serious fire hazard if used carelessly.  Common sense can prevent a baseboard heater fire. Any time a flammable object comes in contact with a heater, a fire could result.

Checklist for Baseboard Heaters

• Check baseboard heaters often and remove objects that have fallen on top or near the heater.
• Keep all furniture a safe distance from your heaters. Never block the flow of heat.
• Never permit electrical cords to drape across heaters.
• Always hire an experienced electrician to do any necessary repair work on your baseboard heaters.

Portable Heaters

Portable models heat up rapidly, and like baseboard heaters, they can easily ignite any flammable item left nearby. When shopping for a portable heater, choose a model with 1) temperature control, 2) an automatic shut-off device, and 3) a seal of approval from an independent testing laboratory, indicating that it has met basic safety standards.

Checklist for Portable Heaters

·      Keep portable heaters three foot away from anything that can burn.

·      Always place portable heaters on flat surfaces.

·      Always turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

·      Avoid using household extension cords with portable heaters. If you must use an extension cord, make certain that it is a heavy-duty cord.

Fireplaces & Woodstoves

If you use a fireplace to heat your home have your chimney inspected by a professional and if necessary cleaned before each heating season. Creosote can build up along the inside of the chimney and pose a fire hazard.

Checklist for Fireplaces & Woodstoves

·      Always use a firescreen to contain sparks.

·      Never burn rubbish.

·      Make certain anything flammable is kept a safe distance away from the fireplace.

·      Never leave fires unattended, especially in areas used by children or pets.

·      Clean out the ashes when cool and place in a metal container.

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. Two out of three reported home heating fires and associated deaths and injuries involved portable and fixed space heaters and related equipment, such as fireplaces and chimneys.

Just in Case

·         If a fire occurs in your home, a working smoke alarm can save your life.

·         Make certain smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

·         Everyone in your home should know what to do in the event of a fire. Plan and practice a home escape plan.

·         Make sure everyone knows at least two ways out of every sleeping area. Decide upon a place outside of the home, where everyone will meet in the event of fire. Make certain everyone understands that once they have left a burning building they should never go back inside. Call 911 from a safe phone.

Source: Seattle Fire Department Fire Prevention Division,  220 3rd Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104, www.seattle.gov/fire

http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/brochures/homeHeatingSafety.pdf