Rural/Metro Fire Department encourages you to have a SAFE and WARM winter by following these simple suggestions:
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable heater.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
Use qualified professionals to install space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating units in accordance with local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected at least annually by a qualified professional.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented properly to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks entering the room. Burn only dry, seasoned wood and allow ashes to completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Only operate heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
National Fire Protection Association Heating Facts:
- Almost half of home heating equipment fires occur during the months of December, January and February.
- Over half of all heating related fires are caused by heating equipment being located too close to things that can burn, like furniture, clothing or bedding.
- Heating equipment related fires are a leading cause of home fire fatalities.
Rural/Metro Fire Department reminds you that common sense is the best prescription for preventing heating related residential fires. Don’t become a fire statistic!
For additional information, please visit www.rmfire.com
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