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PDF requires adobe acrobat pdf reader. download Winter Fires return to main fire prevention page | home Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house. Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire. Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires. Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets or furniture. Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL listed device such as a hand held dryer. Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house. Don’t use the oven to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes. If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access. In case of a fire, stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke, and have an escape plan already worked out. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Check the batteries every month and change them at least once a year.

Did you know? Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. Electrical fires are a special concern during the winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating and appliance safety. Deaths caused by winter fires are particularly avoidable. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test the batteries every month and change them at least once a year.