 During winter, we turn to fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters to keep our homes warm. We decorate our houses with candles for the holidays. Make sure that your home and family remain safe from fire by following a few guidelines.
Fireplaces
Always have a chimneysweep conduct a thorough cleaning and inspection of your fireplace each season. An inspection can often spot small problems before they become dangerous and expensive.Always use a fire screen and only burn seasoned firewood in a fireplace. Green wood is a big contributor to the creosote build-up in your chimney and popping may send sparks into the room.Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace because burning paper can float up your chimney and onto your roof, sparking a fire.Remove ashes from the fireplace in a metal container and store outside away from the house. Be sure that all embers are out.Add seasoned wood to the fire carefully to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
Wood Stoves
Make sure your stove bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory and meets local fire code--check with your local fire department or chimneysweep for details.Have your wood stove installed professionally, according to manufacturer's instructions.Have chimney connections and flues inspected each year by a chimneysweep.Burn only seasoned firewood, green wood contributes to creosote build-up.Make sure your stove is placed on an approved base to protect the floor. If it is placed near walls, install protective covering there as well.Keep any combustible materials at least 36 inches away from all sides of your wood stove.
Portable and Space Heaters
All heaters, whether electric or powered by fuel, should be kept at least 36 inches from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, people and pets.Children and pets should be supervised at all times when space heaters are in use.Operate all heaters according to manufacturer's instructions.Never leave a space heater on when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Candles and Open Flame Decorations
Candles and open flame decorations should be in glass or metal containers, insulated from wood or Formica counter tops with a glass or ceramic plate/tile.Always extinguish candles and open flame decorations when leaving the room or going to sleep.Candles and open flame decorations should be placed away from curtains or other combustible material.Place all candles and open flame decorations out of children's reach.Never carry a lit candle or open flame decoration from one room to another. |