TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2013
Even when they're not your home's primary source of heat, space heaters and woodstoves are great for warming up chilly rooms. But these supplemental heat sources should be operated with a measure of caution. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, portable heaters play a role in 45 percent of all fatal heating fires in residential settings. Help reduce the risk of fire with these tips:
Electric space heaters: Radiant space heaters warm whatever is directly in front of them, while convection heaters can help make an entire room feel more comfortable. To use them safely, consider the following tips: - Purchase units with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.
- Keep heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, such as upholstery, curtains, pets or people. Approximately half of fires in residential buildings involving a portable heater occur because the unit is too close to a combustible material.
- Keep the unit on a level surface and plug it directly into a wall outlet.
- Never use a space heater to dry clothing.
- Select a unit that automatically switches off if the unit tips over.
- Do not leave a space heater unattended, especially when children or pets are in the room. Do not leave an electric heater on overnight or when you're sleeping.
Woodstoves: Woodstoves are a more efficient heat source than traditional fireplaces, and many units can keep more than one room warm. However, more than 4,000 residential fires each year are attributed to woodstoves. To keep woodstoves operating safely, consider the following tips: - Before buying a stove, check with your local fire department to get local ordinances on solid fuel burning appliances.
- Be sure the unit has been tested and is listed with a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Follow the manufacturer's directions and pay close attention to clearance requirements. If there are no manufacturer's instructions or a label on the unit, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests clearances should be 36” or 1 meter away from any combustible item, such as curtains or flooring.
- Install a floor protector that meets the heating appliance manufacturer’s requirements, and extends at least 18 inches on all sides of the heater, unless the manufacturer states otherwise.
- Have the chimney and stovepipe cleaned and inspected annually.
- Burn only seasoned hardwood or wood pellets in the stove, according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Wait until ashes have cooled before removing them. Transfer ashes in a covered metal container to an outside location 10 feet or more away from the home, and douse them with water.
Kerosene space heaters:These units are relatively inexpensive to operate and can warm a large area within your home. Some communities restrict the use of kerosene heaters, so always check with the local authorities about potential restrictions before purchasing or operating a unit. To operate safely, consider the following tips: - Purchase units that have been tested and approved for use by a laboratory such as UL.
- Keep children and pets away from the heater to avoid contact burns.
- Use only the approved fuel—clear 1-K grade kerosene, never gasoline.
- Kerosene heaters should only be used in a well-ventilated area away from flames or other heat sources.
- Do not refill a heater until the unit is cool. Refill units outdoors.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. Pickard Insurance makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made. Source: StateFarm.com
Contact us to get an Arlington homeowners insurance quote at 877-596-2559.
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