The home heating season is upon us, creating a need to provide warmth and personal comfort for all occupants. Unfortunately, many serious fires and deaths occur annually in the U.S. due to improperly maintained heating equipment or use of this equipment inconsistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company would like to pass on some safety tips regarding home heating equipment use, to decrease the chances for these unfortunate accidents to occur.

The first line of defense is having the proper fire detection equipment installed in the home.

Each floor and outside each sleeping area should have a visible smoke and heat detector.

•Change the batteries regularly, and push the detector test button monthly.

•Install a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.

•If you rely on wood burning, gas, kerosene or oil burning equipment, install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home to alert occupants of high carbon monoxide levels.

Electric Baseboard and Portable Electric Heaters

•Heaters should be properly installed by a licensed electrician or located per the manufacture's recommendations.

•All equipment purchased should be UL listed.

•All combustible items such as drapes, furniture, bedding and clothing must be stored at least three feet from each heater.

•When purchasing a portable space heater, look for an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the unit should it accidentally tip over.

•Assure all electrical supply cords are intact, grounded and capable of handling the load of the heating unit.

•Power supply cords should not be run under carpets or furniture, as they may generate heat and cause a fire.

•If a portable electric heater smokes or heats up, turn off the power source immediately.

Electric Heat Pumps

•Electric heat pumps are reliable heat sources and pose less of a hazard to the facility and residence.

•Insure filters are changed at least monthly during use, keep several of these handy.

•It is normal for some odor during the first use of the heat pump; however if smoke is detected coming from vents or the odor of burnt insulation is detected, the building should be evacuated immediately.

•Heating units should be examined yearly by a qualified service technician.

LP Gas Heaters

•LP Gas heaters, vented or unvented should be examined yearly by a qualified service technician.

•Provide for proper airflow in the building as LP gas heaters consume oxygen as they burn.

•Maintain a 3-foot clearance near heater, keep area free from combustible materials such as drapes, bedding materials and clothing.

•LP gas heaters maintain a feature that provide for automatic shutoff if the oxygen levels reach 18% or below.

•Remember, never use conventional cooking stoves for heat.

Portable Kerosene Heaters

• Portable kerosene heaters must be used very carefully, as misuse of these units may cause an accidental fire.

Allow your heater to cool before refueling and only refuel outdoors.

• Use only crystal clear, K-1 kerosene, never gasoline or camp stove fuel, both explode easily.

• Designate a safety can for only kerosene storage. Even a small residue of gasoline burned can be disastrous.

• Provide an annual inspection of kerosene heaters by a knowledgeable service technician.

Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces

• Remember always choose seasoned hardwoods for fuel. Green wood, artificial logs, trash or undetermined wood scraps can contribute to rapid creosote build up and a possible chimney fire.

• Your chimney should be cleaned annually by a "chimney sweep" trained to rid the vent of dangerous creosote and dust. Uncontrolled chimney fires can ignite the chimney, roof and entire home. Refrain form using flammable liquids, like gasoline, to start or freshen a fire.

• When in operation, the fireplace should be filled with a metal fire screen or heat tampered glass doors, to catch flying sparks and prevent rolling logs.

• Assume all stoves and smoke pipes are located far enough from combustible walls and ceilings, installed properly and maintained in good repair.

• Eliminate possible youth burns by removing all tempting items from the vicinity of the fireplace or wood stove.

• Keep all matches and lighters locked up and inaccessible to children