Did you know that heating is the second most common cause of home fires, with over half of those occurring from December through February? With winter temperatures remaining below freezing, it is important to keep in mind a few safety tips while heating your home. If your primary heating source is a furnace, please remember to have it serviced on an annual basis. If you utilize alternative methods of heating, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable space heaters, please keep these tips in mind:
- Keep anything that can burn three feet from any heating source.
- Use a screen in front of your fireplace.
- Plug space heaters directly into an outlet and never into an extension cord.
- Turn off all portable space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
- Place cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside at least 10 feet from any buildings.
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.
Stay warm and cozy this winter and be fire smart!
Fire Chief Tyler Lewis
