The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urged members of the public to use added caution when heating their homes during the winter months. NFPA offered several tips and guidelines for safely heating a home during the winter months.
Heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Anything that can burn should be kept at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters. For fuel-burning space heaters, people should always use the right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer. A 3-foot kid-free zone should be maintained around open fires and space heaters.
Individuals should make sure space heaters are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. They should turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, which should be placed outside at least 10 feet away from the home.
All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If gas is smelled in the gas heater, the appliance should not be lit. All individuals should leave the home immediately and call the local fire department or gas company.
People should make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are located throughout their home. Alarms should be tested monthly to ensure that they are working properly.
The NFPA offers home heating safety tips, information, and resources to help better educate the public about ways to safely heat homes. In addition, NFPA's "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" campaign with the U.S. Fire Administration promotes awareness of a host of winter safety issues, including those related to home heating.
For more information or to view NFPA codes and standards, visit http://www.nfpa.org.
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