Heating your home safely

As winter weather moves in, many people use fireplaces, space heaters, and other fuel-fired equipment to warm their homes. While alternative heating sources can make your home cozy, using them increases your risk of a home fire.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires following cooking.

Taking simple steps can prevent a fire from happening in your home. The National Fire Protection Association and USFA offer these heating safety tips, including: 

·         Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater; 

·         Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room;  

·         Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters; and 

·         Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

For more ways to have a fire-safe home when the mercury dips, check out this USFA resource guide to share with family and friends.