During December, January and February, everyone relies heavily on their heating system to keep their home warm and comfortable. That’s why half of home heating fires are also reported during that time. To avoid becoming one of those statistics, and keep your family and home safe, following these heating system, fire and carbon monoxide safety tips:
GENERAL HEATING SAFETY
- Test your smoke alarms monthly.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like your furnace, fireplace or portable space heater.
- Have a 3 foot designated “Kid Free Zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Plug only 1 heat producing appliance (such as a space heater or portable radiator) into one electrical outlet at a time.
- Remember to always turn portable heaters off when leaving any room or before going to bed.
- Always use the correct fuel, specific by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
- If you smell gas in your home or coming from your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave your home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
- Never leave candles burning unattended.
HEATING EQUIPMENT SAFETY
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year. Our annual service contract covers inspections, cleanings, and replacement of basic burner hardware.
- Keep portable generators away from windows and use them as far away from the house as possible.
FIREPLACE SAFETY
- Make sure that your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks flying into the room.
- Fire ashes should always be cool before putting them into any kind of covered, metal container.
- Never put ashes into a plastic container.
- Keep fireplace ashes containers a safe distance away from your home.
CECI Oil’s customer service team can answer general questions about your home heating system. However, if you have any concerns about your heating equipment or are experiencing problems – do not delay – call your dealer directly.
