Today's fire safety tip in honor of National Fire Prevention Week is on Heat Safety:
- Make sure your choice of heating equipment is permitted by law in your community. For example, kerosene heaters are not allowed in all communities.
- Make sure your heating equipment has the label showing that it is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
- Install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. – Have a qualified professional install the equipment. – Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside. Make sure the venting for exhaust is kept clear and unobstructed. This includes removal of snow around the outlet to the outside.
- Supervise children when open fires and space heaters are being used and install a heat-tempered screen barrier around the appliance to prevent burns which are even more common than fire injuries.
- For fuel assistance, contact the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 866-674-6327. Or email energyassistance@ncat.org
Portable Space Heaters
- Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.
Fuel Burning Space Heaters
- Always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
- When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside.
- When using the heater, open a window to ensure adequate venting.
Wood-Pellet-Coal Burning Stoves and Fireplaces
- Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood.
- Use artificial logs according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Use only newspaper and kindling wood to start a fire. Never use flammable liquids, such as lighter fluid.
#FirePreventionWeek