A Space Heater Improperly placed can cause a fire

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

To help avoid a space heater fire place in a clear area, and away from furniture.

With the chilly weather upon us so is the potential for families and or businesses turning to heating resources they feel might be beneficial in helping to heat a home, or business.

Statically billions are spent each year, yes each year, on damage caused by fires.  Lives are lost, and many are injured.

• In the winter time the rural communities will utilize portable space heaters, wood stoves, and kerosene heaters.  Unfortunately it is a common risk taken without the complete understanding of the fire potential should any of these be used improperly. With a fire, comes water used to put out the fire.  Without proper cleanup from the fire and water, comes the potential of mold.  

Below are some winter safety tips, and general fire prevention tips to help keep you, your families, and homes safe.

• Space heaters need space---keep furniture and objects away
• Electric space heaters must be plugged directly into a wall outlet---NOT AN EXTENSION CORD
• Appliances must be plugged directly into the wall outlet, not an extension cord to avoid the potential of an electrical fire. 
• NEVER use gasoline in kerosene heaters, or camp stove oil units.
• NEVER fill a heating unit when hot
• Be sure your chimney is clean before using, and that your damper is working properly
• Use an insert or heavy screen to prevent hot embers from leaving the fireplace compartment, and keep logs from rolling out
• ALWAYS allow ashes to cool before removing, and ALWAYS place ashes inside a metal container.  Always store ash containers at least 10 feet from buildings
• NEVER leave food cooking, or candles burning unattended.
• NEVER use a grill as a heat source inside the home, or business.
• ALWAYS use portable generators outside away from doors and windows, NEVER use inside of enclosed areas of a home or buildings.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms outside of each sleeping area, and at least one carbon monoxide alarm in the home.

If you are in need of smoke detectors either call or stop by your local fire department and they will be happy to provide what is needed in your home at no cost.  If you are unable to install, they will be happy to assist and install for you.