How to heat your home this winter and do it safely
By
Carolyn Sistrand, AccuWeather staff writer
Winter has arrived.
And for many, home heating is a priority that will be top of mind before the season's first snowfall. While many turn the heat on without a second thought, people should be aware of the safety concerns that come with staying warm this winter.
“Heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S.,” Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), told AccuWeather, citing data from the U.S. Home Fires report. “December, January and February are the leading months for home fires. Nearly half of reported home fires happen in those months.”
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While many Americans may have centralized home heating sources, others do look to alternatives to keep warm. These options, however, do pose some safety hazards.
In-home units, whether portable or stationary, can pose risks for a multitude of reasons. Overheating, faulty equipment or improper use can all be risk factors. All of these possibilities can be virtually avoided with some preparation and monitoring, starting with basic maintenance.
“Have your heating systems inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional each year,” said McKelvey. “That includes water heaters, central heating equipment, and you want to make sure they’re following local codes and manufacturers' instructions.”
A metal heating radiator forming part of a central heating system with energy-efficient thermal insulation on the wall. Experts say regular inspections are critical preventing heating units from malfunctioning and causing fires.
iStock/Getty Images Plus/Evgen_Prozhyrko)
This should be the first step before the heat source is needed. Inspection of the unit can point out early indicators of malfunctions or long-term safety risks. Inspections can also turn up signs that indicate if a new unit is needed before the coldest months hit.
McKelvey said that the NFPA typically recommends that portable and stationary units be placed at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. If the unit is too close to an object that's prone to ignition, a fire can spark. Also, McKelvey cautions to never leave heating equipment unattended. "Remember to shut it off when you leave the room or go to sleep," she added. “You should not leave them overnight while you’re sleeping because you cannot monitor them."
The NFPA also cautions that residents with fuel-powered units should always double-check that the proper fuel source is being used in their unit as the wrong fuel can lead to major safety concerns.
Units are not the only heat source, but it does not mean that other sources should be left unmonitored. Chimneys can also cause house fires if not they're properly maintained.
“If you do use a fireplace, you want to make sure you have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room and then ashes should be put into a metal container when they are cooled," said McKelvey. "Then you want to keep the container a safe distance away from your home.”
Smoke alarms are a first line of defense in a home fire because they alert inhabitants and prompt them to escape safely -- but only if they're working properly. Therefore, they should be inspected regularly. Having smoke alarms properly located throughout a home and testing them monthly to make sure they’re working is critical to home fire safety.
“You want to have adequate time to get out safely and smoke alarms give you that warning,” said McKelvey. “Then you want to have an escape plan in place, so that if the smoke alarm sounds, you know how to use that time.”
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News / AccuWeather Ready
How to heat your home this winter and do it safely
By Carolyn Sistrand, AccuWeather staff writer
Winter has arrived.
And for many, home heating is a priority that will be top of mind before the season's first snowfall. While many turn the heat on without a second thought, people should be aware of the safety concerns that come with staying warm this winter.
“Heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S.,” Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), told AccuWeather, citing data from the U.S. Home Fires report. “December, January and February are the leading months for home fires. Nearly half of reported home fires happen in those months.”
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Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+
While many Americans may have centralized home heating sources, others do look to alternatives to keep warm. These options, however, do pose some safety hazards.
In-home units, whether portable or stationary, can pose risks for a multitude of reasons. Overheating, faulty equipment or improper use can all be risk factors. All of these possibilities can be virtually avoided with some preparation and monitoring, starting with basic maintenance.
“Have your heating systems inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional each year,” said McKelvey. “That includes water heaters, central heating equipment, and you want to make sure they’re following local codes and manufacturers' instructions.”
A metal heating radiator forming part of a central heating system with energy-efficient thermal insulation on the wall. Experts say regular inspections are critical preventing heating units from malfunctioning and causing fires.
This should be the first step before the heat source is needed. Inspection of the unit can point out early indicators of malfunctions or long-term safety risks. Inspections can also turn up signs that indicate if a new unit is needed before the coldest months hit.
McKelvey said that the NFPA typically recommends that portable and stationary units be placed at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. If the unit is too close to an object that's prone to ignition, a fire can spark. Also, McKelvey cautions to never leave heating equipment unattended. "Remember to shut it off when you leave the room or go to sleep," she added. “You should not leave them overnight while you’re sleeping because you cannot monitor them."
The NFPA also cautions that residents with fuel-powered units should always double-check that the proper fuel source is being used in their unit as the wrong fuel can lead to major safety concerns.
Units are not the only heat source, but it does not mean that other sources should be left unmonitored. Chimneys can also cause house fires if not they're properly maintained.
“If you do use a fireplace, you want to make sure you have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room and then ashes should be put into a metal container when they are cooled," said McKelvey. "Then you want to keep the container a safe distance away from your home.”
Smoke alarms are a first line of defense in a home fire because they alert inhabitants and prompt them to escape safely -- but only if they're working properly. Therefore, they should be inspected regularly. Having smoke alarms properly located throughout a home and testing them monthly to make sure they’re working is critical to home fire safety.
“You want to have adequate time to get out safely and smoke alarms give you that warning,” said McKelvey. “Then you want to have an escape plan in place, so that if the smoke alarm sounds, you know how to use that time.”
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