7 Fire Safety Tips to help keep you safe this winter season

Did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? More than half of home heating fires are reported during December, January and February. We want you to be warm and cozy this winter… and we also want you to be safe.

Here are 7 tips that can help keep you safe and provide peace of mind as we head into the winter heating season.

1. Test smoke alarms monthly

Be sure to test your smoke alarms once a month to ensure batteries and detectors are fully operational.

2. Maintain a three-foot safety buffer

Always have a three-foot “Kid Free Zone” around open fires and space heaters. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment such as a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, and portable space heaters.

3. Turn off space heaters when unattended

Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving home or going to bed.

4. Never use your oven for heat

Ovens and kitchen ranges are designed solely for cooking; using them to heat a home creates extreme carbon monoxide and fire risks.

5. Use the correct fuel type

Always use the exact fuel type specified by the manufacturer for fuel-burning space heaters and equipment.

6. Schedule annual professional maintenance

Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected each year by a qualified professional.

7. Rely on certified installers

Be sure to have a qualified service professional install heating equipment, fuel storage systems, and water heaters according to local codes and manufacturer instructions.