Heaters and Cold Weather Safety Tips

As the cold weather is well upon us, heating related safety is of utmost concern. The majority of fire deaths occur during these cold months and they are often related to inadequate heating systems or the improper use of heating systems.

As heating costs rise and temperatures dip, energy costs are on everybody’s mind.

Portable electric heaters can be an efficient way to warm your room or supplement central heating; however, if not used properly, they can be a fire or electric shock hazard. According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) study, there are about 3,000 portable heater fires annually. Of those fires, most were caused by improper use.

The following general safety guidelines can help keep your home and family safe.

ELECTRIC HEATERS

• Electric heaters should have automatic safety switches to turn them off if tipped over. They also should carry the UL approval label.

• Be sure to check cords before plugging in the heater. If frayed, worn, or broken, do not use. Either replace the heater or have an electrician replace the cord. Just putting tape on the cord is not enough to prevent overheating and fire.

• Never use extension cords with portable heaters. To supply a heater with a small, ordinary household extension cord will cause the cord to overheat and burn.

• Keep all materials that can burn at least 36 inches away from unit.

KEROSENE HEATERS

• Many kerosene heater related fires are attributed to the misuse or abuse of the device. Get started on the right foot by purchasing a heater that carries the UL label.

This means it has been tested for safety.

• Be sure it has an automatic safety switch to shut it off if it's tipped over.

• An automatic starter eliminates the need for matches and makes for safer starts.

• A fuel gauge will help ensure you do not overfill the heater dangerously.

• A safety grill on the front can prevent accidental contact burns.

• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly.

• Use only crystal-clear 1K kerosene; never use yellow or contaminated kerosene or any other fuel. Fill it only outside. Kerosene should be stored outside in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is clearly marked for kerosene.

• When using kerosene heaters, be sure the room is well ventilated. Opening a door to an adjoining room or area may be enough. Better yet, slightly open a window in the room.

WOOD HEATERS

Wood stoves and other wood burning devices are popular heating systems. Before investing in one for your home, think as much about safety as you will about ease of use, efficiency and appearance.

• Have your stove installed by a professional.

• Keep a tight-fitting screen or glass door in front of the stove or fireplace at all times.

• Special retaining screens can keep children and pets away from wood stoves and prevent burns.

• Dispose of ashes in metal containers, never in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or plastic wastebaskets. Soak ashes with water to cool them thoroughly.

• Remember, ashes can retain enough heat to cause a fire for several days, so take no chances.

• Although these tips should help prevent a fire, know the signs of danger. A loud roar, sucking sounds and shaking pipes mean trouble and danger. If you hear these sounds, get everyone out of the house. Quickly shut off the fire's air supply by closing any air intake vents in the firebox. Close the damper. Call the fire department from a nearby phone.

• Keep any heater at least three feet away from anything that might burn. This means curtains, walls, furniture, papers, etc.

• To avoid injury and other mishaps, keep children and pets away from heaters.

• ALWAYS REMEMBER, don't try to get a small device to do a big job. For best results, direct the heat from a portable heater where you want it. It won't heat an entire room. Focus the heat where you need it - but not so close it can cause fires or burns.

• Working smoke alarms should be a priority at any time of year. This is a great time to test your alarms to make sure they are working. With the use of modern technology, many communities in the United States are taking safety a step further by installing residential sprinkler systems. These systems quickly control the fire causing little or no damage, preventing the loss of life and property.