Plug Into Space Heater Safety
It happens every winter. The weather turns cold and people turn on the space heater to warm up. There's always someone who inadvertently starts a fire by putting the heater too close to the furniture or draperies. Then there are the people who end up having fires because the heater is left on all night or the appliance tips over.

The non-profit safety advocate, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), says heating devices are the leading cause of fires in the home during December, January and February. In 2001, there were 54,900 heating equipment-related home fires in the U.S., 220 civilian deaths, 1,120 civilian injuries and $502 million in direct property damage. All kinds of space heating equipment are involved in fires in the home: portable electric heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, portable kerosene heaters and room gas heaters.

Here in Plainville, there have been two heating-related fire in the past five years. Property damage topped fifty thousand dollars. But these fires didn't have to happen. Most fires with space heaters are preventable if key safety measures are followed. To avoid problems, keep space heaters (both portable and fixed) at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furnishings, bedding and clothing. Turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Wood stoves and fireplaces also need special care. If you're buying a new unit, make sure a qualified technician does the installation. If the appliance has already been installed, have it checked to make sure the installation was done properly. Use only seasoned hardwood and don't burn trash in a fireplace because the fire could burn out of control.

Most fires in wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys occur because of a lack of regular cleaning, which leads to the build-up of creosote, the residue of unburned fuel. Heating devices should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace with fire screens made of heat-tempered glass or sturdy metal.

Heating equipment that burns fuel is a potential source of carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is an odorless,colorless and poisonous gas that is created when fuel burns incompletely. Install CO alarms in your home to provide you with an early warning if CO is accumulating.

So when the temperature drops, go ahead and use your heating appliances. We want you to be warm and cozy.

But we also want you to make sure you're safe.