Stay Warm & Safe this Winter: Fireplace and Space Heater Safety

As the temperatures drop, and heating bills rise, many people turn to fireplaces and space heaters to keep their spaces cozy and warm. While these heat sources provide warmth, they can also be fire hazards if not used with caution. Below are some important safety tips to help you and your family enjoy a warm and safe winter season.

Fireplace Safety Tips

Schedule an Annual Inspection & Cleaning
Before lighting your first fire of the season, have your fireplace and chimney inspected & cleaned by a certified professional. Creosote buildup, blockages, and structural issues can lead to dangerous fires or carbon monoxide entering your home. 

Use Only Dry, Seasoned Wood
Burning wet or green wood produces more creosote, smoke, and ultimately less heat. Dry, seasoned wood burns more efficiently and reduces the risk of excessive buildup.

Keep the Surrounding Area Clear
Always maintain a clear, safe zone around your fireplace. Remove any flammable objects, including paper, curtains, and rugs, and ensure that children and pets stay at a safe distance. When decorating for the holidays, avoid lighting a fire if stockings or other decorations are hanging from the mantel.

Install a Screen or Glass Doors
A fireplace screen or built in glass doors can prevent sparks or embers from flying out of the fireplace and igniting nearby materials. If using a screen, ensure it is made of sturdy metal and is secure.

Space Heater Safety Tips

Choose the Right Heater for the Room
Ensure your space heater is the appropriate size for the room you are heating. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. 

Follow the “3-Foot Rule”
Keep anything that can catch fire at least three feet away from the space heater. This includes bedding, furniture and curtains, as well as toys. Also, avoid placing the space heater in high-traffic areas to reduce the risk of it being knocked over. We suggest purchasing a space heater with built-in safety features, such as overheat protection, automatic shut-off if tipped over, cool-touch surfaces, and timers.

Plug Directly into the Wall
Always plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords as they can overheat and could cause a fire.

Turn Off When Unattended
Never leave a space heater running in an empty room or while you’re sleeping.

General Fire Safety Precautions

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It is crucial to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends testing these detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries at least once or twice a year. Smoke detectors need to be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date and carbon monoxide around 7 years (always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device.)

Keep Fire Extinguishers In Your Home
Always have a few fire extinguishers placed throughout your home and familiarize yourself with how to use one in case of an emergency.

Create an Emergency Escape Plan
In the event of a fire, every family member should know what to do. Create a simple escape plan, designate a meeting place outside, and practice your plan a few times each year.

Even with the best safety measures in place, fires can unfortunately happen. If your home experiences fire or smoke damage, Steamatic of CT is here to help with comprehensive fire restoration services. We specialize in…

• Smoke and Odor Removal: Their advanced equipment can eliminate smoke odors and residues that linger after a fire.
• Structural Cleaning and Repair: From walls to ceilings, they assess and restore the structural integrity of your home.
• Contents Recovery and Cleaning: Steamatic of CT uses state-of-the-art technology to clean and restore personal belongings damaged by smoke, soot, and water.
• Emergency Response Services: With 24/7 availability, Steamatic of CT is ready to respond quickly, minimizing further damage and starting the recovery process as soon as possible.
  

Need Help?

Steamatic of CT’s certified professionals handle every aspect of fire restoration, bringing experience and compassion to the recovery process. They understand the disruption and stress caused by fire and work diligently to restore your home to its pre-fire condition. When you need help, we are here! Contact us today.