Preventing Home Fires From Alternate Heat Sources

Baby it’s cold outside, but it’s getting expensive to turn up that oil furnace. More and more home owners are turning to alternate sources of heating.

People are turning to firewood, electric heaters, and gas fireplaces for added warmth, but these heat sources present a new set of cautions for fire prevention.

Electric heaters or electric fireplace:

Make sure you read your manufacturer’s instructions and heed the warning labels for your portable heater.

Never leave it unattended, and always unplug it when not in use. When you do unplug the unit, pull the cord straight out to prevent cord damage.

Never plug the heater into a power strip or extension cord to prevent overheating.

Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from the heater and never block the air intake or outlet.