Safety tips for home heating
- Install a smoke alarm and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm on every level of your home and near sleeping areas and make sure to keep them in good working order. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer.
- Never use a gas or charcoal barbecue grill inside your home or any enclosed area.
- Avoid using a cooking stove to heat your home.
- Turn off gas or electric space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Establish a fire escape plan with at least two means of exit from every room.
Chimney maintenance:
- Proper chimney maintenance reduces the buildup of creosote, a black tar substance that can block passageways or ignite.
- All chimneys should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. Remember, soot and creosote buildup in the chimney is what flue fires are made of.
Heating equipment:
- Burns and fires associated with portable heaters, fireplaces and furnaces are a major concern. Any heating device must have care and maintenance to operate properly.
- When you turn on the heat in your home for the first time, expect a slight burning smell from the accumulation of dust that burns off coils. This smell should dissipate within a few minutes. If it does not, or if you notice an increase, call 9-9-9, as there may be an electrical problem.
- Keep plenty of clear space - at least 36 inches around and above - for all heating devices. Both fireplaces and portable heaters should be constantly attended when in use. Never go to bed or leave home while either is in use.
- Never use candles as a heat source.
Portable heaters
- Keep children away from space heaters.
- Keep heaters out of high traffic areas and away from pets.
- Don not hide cords from portable heaters under rugs.
- Try not to use extension cords with space heaters. Use only heavy-duty extension cords if necessary.
Reference: Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Page Up