Heating Safety

There are more home fires during the winter months of December, January and February than any other time of year.

Heating devices like space heaters and wood stoves make homes comfortable, but they should be used with extra caution.

Heating is the second leading cause of fire death and the third leading cause of injury to people ages 65 and older.

Many of these deaths and injuries could be prevented with safe heating practices. So, before you grab a good book and cozy up to the fireplace, make sure you do the following:

• Space heaters need space. Keep flammable materials at least three feet away from heaters.
• When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
• Keep fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.