Halt Winter Heating Hazards

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Around this time of the year, we encounter changes in weather and low temperatures. In an effort to stay warm, many people use alternative heat sources such as fireplaces or space heaters.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the annual direct property damage from heating fires is estimated at a whopping $1 billion dollars. This is a serious matter and it is important to abide by the following safety tips to reduce your risk of a heating-related fire:

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container at a safe distance away from your home. 
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

If your property does suffer fire damage, we are readily available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Contact SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199. We are always here to help.