The time of year has come for falling temperatures and residents to begin heating their homes again, bringing with it the need to use care when operating heating devices. The Hartsville Fire Department would like to provide some simple precautions that can reduce the dangers of heating-related fires.
Although the amount of residential heating fires have declined in recent years, they remain a significant concern during winter months. Heating devices are the second most common cause of residential fires behind cooking fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Nearly 44,000 house fires which were started by heating sources occur around the nation every year, leading to 130 deaths and 550 injuries.
A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm provides a valuable first line of defense which significantly improves survival rates during home fires. In addition to smoke alarms, homes with fuel-burning heating devices should also have carbon monoxide alarms. Alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced regularly. Changing clocks back for the end of Daylight Savings Time, which occurred this Sunday, Nov. 2, is an excellent time to remember to change batteries in your alarm. Alarms which aren’t working or are more than 10 years old should be replaced completely.
In the winter months, common home heating concerns observed in the Hartsville area include the use of space heaters too close to flammable items, as well as insufficiently cleaned chimneys and flues in those homes which use fireplaces and wood burning stoves, according to Fire Marshal Bryan Crowley. The following safety tips can help homeowners avoid common dangers and enjoy a safe and warm winter.
- All heating equipment – space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and stoves – should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Space heaters are often used in bedrooms, where they should be kept away from sheets and blankets. Equipment should also have a three-foot “kid-free zone” as well.
- Never leave space heaters unattended. Purchase heaters which will shut off automatically if they tip over or overheat. Shut them off and allow them to cool before going to bed.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Use qualified professionals to install stationary heating equipment, including water heaters and central heating equipment. Use professionals to clean chimneys every year.
- When using fireplaces, make sure they have a sufficient screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Allow ashes to completely cool before placing them in a metal container, and store the container a safe distance from your home.