Stay Warm and Safe This Winter!

Home heating safety tips 

Heating fire facts _{(Based on 2014-2018 annual averages:)}

• Most home heating fire deaths (81%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
• The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (25%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
• Half of the home heating fire deaths were caused by having heating equipment to close too things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing mattresses or bedding.
• Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.

_{Source: NFPA Applied Research}

Protection from carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide safety tips

• Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
• Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, far away from the home.
• Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking. Do not barbeque in the garage.
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.

_{Source:  US Consumer Product Safety Commission website}

Home fire Safety

Prevent home fires

• Portable Space Heaters - Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away.
• Fireplaces & Woodstoves - Inspect and clean pipes and chimneys annually.
• Generators - Use in well ventilated locations outside at least 5 feet from all doors, windows, and vent openings.
• Cooking - stay in the kitchen and turn off the stove if you leave, even for a short period of time.
• Electrical & Appliance Safety - Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords.

_{Source:  Ready.gov Home Fires Prevent website}