Baby, its cold outside, but, its getting pricey to turn up that oil heater. Increasingly more home owners are turning to alternate sources of heating. People are turning to fire wood, electric heaters, and gas fireplaces for added heat, but, these heat sources present a brand-new set of cautions for fire prevention.
Electric heaters or electric fireplaces:
Make sure you review your manufacturers instructions and heed the warning labels for your mobile heater. Never leave it unattended, and always unplug it when not in use. When you do unplug the unit, pull the cord straight out to avoid cord damage.
Never plug the heater into a power strip or extension cord to avoid overheating. Keep flammable items a minimum of three feet away from the heater, and never block the air intake or outlet.
A Wood Fireplace:
Have a certified person inspect and clean your chimney on a regular basis http://bjrefrigeration.com/heating-repair.html . Keep any flammable products far from the front of the fireplace, and cover the front with a glass or metal screen. Store matches or lighters in a locked cabinet.
General Safety Pointers:
Candles are generally used throughout the holidays. Never leave them unattended or burning in a confined area. Always use stable candle holders that are not likely to tip over. Blow out the candles when you leave the room.
Devise an escape strategy for the family, and practice it twice a year. Each room should have 2 exits, and pick an outdoor meeting point. Set up smoke detectors on every level of your home. Mark a date on the calendar to test them monthly and change the batteries each time you change your clocks.
Clean the lint filter in your clothing dryer whenever you use it. The build up of lint can ignite.
Discover how to put out a pan fire by sliding the lid over the flames and always keep a kitchen fire extinguisher handy.
Everyone in the family ought to know how to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if their clothes ignite. To access the very best air for breathing, practice getting down low, and crawling as an escape method. Keep emergency telephone numbers handy.