As you collapse onto your bed after tackling the crowded malls to finish your Christmas shopping, you are thankful for the comforting warmth your space heater provides. Sometime before midnight, your silk comforter slips off the bed and onto your space heater. Suddenly dreams of sugarplums turn into the nightmare of a home fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. During the months of December, January and February, half of home heating equipment fires are reported. Here are a few simple safety tips and precautions you can practice to help prevent heating equipment fires from happening:
- Keep any flammable items (curtains, paper, plastic, solvents, matches, lighters, etc.) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
- Create a “kid and pet-free zone” at least three feet around the heater and teach children to stay away. Invest in a baby playard or fence system to create the zone, still keeping it at least three feet from the heater.
- Never try and cook on a space heater.
- Never stick objects into the heater.
- If you have a fuel burning space heater, make sure to use the right kind of fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
- Remember to turn off all heaters before leaving the room, going to bed or leaving your home.
- If the heater is portable and you need to move it, make sure it has cooled down completely before touching it.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
Practice these tips to help keep your family safe during the winter months. Remember a small fire can quickly spread into a large one. For more information about Anchor Heating and Air Conditioning, the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment—give us a call at (770) 942-2873 or contact us online.