A few weeks ago, 17 people lost their lives in a devastating fire in the Bronx, NY, that was the direct result of a malfunctioning space heater. Did you know…heating is the second leading cause of home fires? During the winter months, one of our concerns at the Fire Department is that more people are putting themselves and their families at risk, as they try to stay warm with portable space heaters.
Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the winter, and trails only cooking equipment in home fires year-round. During my November Learn Not to Burn lesson, the topic is ‘hazards in your home.’ Some of the things we discuss are extension cord use, overloading outlets, and space heaters. I can’t tell you how many kids shared that they sleep with space heaters on in their bedrooms. Say it isn’t so! If this is something you do at your house, I beg you to stop. I tell the kids, just like I tell my own, to put more layers on, or get more blankets, and avoid space heaters altogether.
We are concerned that an increased use of space heaters will result in more fires. The leading factor in space heater fires is placing the heater too close to things that can burn. Always remember that space heaters need space! Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything combustible. Don’t plug them into a power strip. Space heaters should be plugged directly into an outlet. Also remember that when you leave a room, leave the house or go to sleep, the space heater should be turned off and unplugged.
Fireplaces are often being used this time of the year as well. Always use the protective screen. Make sure when cleaning out your fireplace that you put the ashes in a closed metal container and keep it away from the house. Often times, people will discard the ashes in a paper or plastic bag and leave it in the garage. This can be disastrous and can result in a garage fire. Also, never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace, as it can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide.
If you use your fireplace regularly, have your chimney inspected yearly by a licensed chimney sweep!
Stay warm and stay safe Naperville!
