As we continue to experience the extreme cold this winter, we are all trying to stay warm. However, please keep in mind the following safety tips from the United States Fire Administration when using space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.
Space Heater
- Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing and curtains, at least three feet away from the heater.
- Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off.
- Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
- Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.
Fireplace
- Keep a fire rated glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks jumping out.
- Do not burn paper in your fireplace.
- Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
- Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least three feet from your home.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional
Wood Stove
- Make sure your wood stove is three feet from anything that can burn.
- Do not burn paper in your wood stove.
- Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
Some additional cold weather tips to keep in mind:
Power Outages
- If using a generator, please be sure to not have it running inside or in the garage – Carbon Monoxide is deadly!
- Avoid using candles for lighting. Stock up on batteries and make sure your flashlights are accessible and in working condition.
Water Pipes Freezing
- Take steps to avoid freezing pipes – shut off outside hose bibs and exterior water items such as lawn sprinklers, prop open cabinet doors under sinks (to let heat in) and run a small trickle of water where water lines run through an exterior wall.
- If you do have a pipe freeze, do not use an open flame. Try using a hair dryer or fan to circulate warm air through the area.