- Keep anything that can melt or burn at least three feet or one metre away from heating equipment like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space hearing equipment like water heaters or central heating equipment. According to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
- Always turn all portable heaters off when leaving the room, going to bed or leaving the house.
- If using fuel burning space heaters make sure it is the correct kind of fuel that is specified by the manufacturer.
Heating Safety
With the arrival of winter comes chilly weather. These months can be wonderful, especially when you have a warm place to enjoy it however with the joys of these comforts there is always precautions to be taken.
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home deaths.
- Make sure fireplaces have sturdy screens to stop sparks from flying around the room.
- If using a wood stove make sure it is seasoned wood.
- Always make sure all ashes are completely cooled before putting them in a metal container.
- Store metal containers away from your home.
- Glass on gas fireplaces can get extremely hot, keep children and pets away from the fireplace when it is on. At least three feet or one metre.
- Have a licensed gas technician inspect gas fireplaces annually.
- All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
- Test your smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms once a month by pressing the test button. We recommend changing the batteries at least twice a year unless your alarm is chirping which is usually an indication your batteries need to be replaced.
- Smoke Alarms expire every 10 years.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms expire every five to seven years.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a WETT certified chimney sweep prior to your first use every year.
- Check stovepipes and connections to ensure screws are tight fitting at all joints.
- Keep all vents free of debris, ice and snow.
- Install a rain cap on the top of all metal and masonry chimneys to help prevention any large debris from getting into the chimney.
- Inspect cap regularly for any blockages.
For more heating fire safety information visiting NFPA heating and NFPA Portable Heaters.
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