The City of Worcester's Fire Department Promotes Simple Winter Heating Safety Tips
For Immediate Release:
12/13/2013 10:10 am
Worcester, MA (December 13, 2013) - As the temperature continues to drop, the City of Worcester's Fire Department urges residents to take simple steps to ensure they stay warm and stay safe this winter. Heating caused more than 12,500 fires over the past five years and is the number two cause of home fires in Massachusetts. Use your home heating and space heating appliances wisely and responsibly.
"As families plan for the winter months, it is more important than ever to practice safety first when heating your home," said Lieutenant Annie Pickett, Fire Safety Public Education Officer. "It's important to give furnaces an annual check-up because efficiently running furnaces save money and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Certified professionals should check chimneys for cracks in the mortar and clean accumulated creosote to prevent chimney fires."
Here are the winter safety tips to remember:
Cover the ABCs of Fire Safety
- Make sure there are working smoke alarms on every level, including one outside the bedrooms.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and change batteries twice a year, when you change the clocks.
- Hold fire drills to practice the home escape plan.
- Practice home fire safety and set a good example for children.
Be Careful When Using Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Stoves
If you heat your home by burning solid fuels (coal, firewood, pellets), be careful before, during and after using these kinds of fuels.
- Have the chimney professionally cleaned every year.
- Make sure the stove is approved by a national testing agency such as Underwriter's Laboratory (UL).
- Get a building permit before installing a stove.
- Keep anything that can burn three feet away.
- Dispose of the ashes in a metal container, with a lid, away from the house, garage and porch.
Space Heaters Need Space
Fires caused by space heaters are rare, but often deadly. If you must use a space heater, do so safely.
- Do not use space heaters as your #1 heating source.
- Keep anything that can burn three feet away.
- Use only heavy-duty extension cords.
- Always turn off when going to bed or leaving home.
- Portable kerosene heaters are illegal in MA for home use.
Maintain Natural Gas Equipment
Natural gas is a safe and efficient way to cook, heat our homes and hot water.
- Have your furnace and hot water heater professionally checked every year.
- Do not use or store gasoline or painting supplies inside where they can be ignited by the pilot light.
- Gas leaks can be dangerous - if you smell something like rotten eggs or you think there might be a leak,
- Move outdoors.
- Do not smoke or turn on or off electrical switches - sparks can cause an explosion.
- Dial 911 immediately.
Maintain Oil Heating Equipment
Home heating with fuel oil is also safe and efficient.
- Have your furnace professionally cleaned and checked every year.
- Don't let the tank get completely empty.
- Call for service if the oil burner releases smoke or soot in the house.
Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer
Heating equipment is the leading source of carbon monoxide (CO) in the home.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
- Don't use the gas stove or oven for heat.
- Have furnaces and chimneys checked annually by a professional.
- Keep appliance vents and exhaust pipes clear of drifting snow and bushes.
For more information, visit the Fire Prevention Division or go to www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.
