By James Winham, Wellington Fire Chief/Emergency Medical Services Director
As winter temperatures settle into Wellington, local furnaces, space heaters and fireplaces are working harder to keep homes warm. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months, but many of these incidents are preventable.
Wellington Fire Rescue encourages residents to follow these safety guidelines to keep their homes warm and their families safe throughout the heating season.
Give Space Heaters Space
Portable space heaters offer convenient warmth but require careful attention. Follow the three-foot rule by keeping heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including bedding, curtains, furniture, clothing and rugs.
Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use extension cords or power strips, which can overheat and cause electrical fires.
Choose heaters certified by an independent testing laboratory, such as UL, and equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that activates if the unit tips over.
Always turn off and unplug space heaters before leaving a room or going to bed.
Chimneys, Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
Nothing compares to the warmth of a natural fire, but creosote buildup inside chimneys can create a significant fire hazard. Have chimneys and vents inspected and professionally cleaned at the beginning of each heating season.
Burn only seasoned, dry hardwood. Never burn trash, wrapping paper, cardboard, plastics or treated wood, which can produce excessive creosote and toxic fumes.
Use a sturdy fireplace screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping onto floors or carpets.
Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and store it outside, at least 10 feet away from your home or other wooden structures.
Central Furnaces and Fuel-Burning Appliances
Have your furnace inspected and serviced annually by a licensed professional to ensure proper ventilation and burner operation.
Replace furnace air filters every one to three months to maintain proper airflow and help prevent the system from overheating.
Keep flammable liquids, paint, cleaning supplies and other clutter away from furnaces and water heaters.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Heating systems that burn fuel, including natural gas, propane, wood and kerosene, can produce carbon monoxide (CO). This invisible, odorless gas can be deadly.
Install carbon monoxide detectors outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries immediately if a detector begins chirping.
Never use an oven, stovetop or outdoor grill to heat your home, even during temporary power outages.
