Winter heating fires can be avoided
OUR VIEW
Ahouse fire is undoubtedly a tragic a traumatic event for an entire family.

We may not have another cold snap like last weeks this year, but if we do, the Alabama Department of Public Health offers these safety tips for keeping your home warm and safe over winter.

Make sure space heaters carry the mark of an independent testing laboratory and are

legal for use in your community.

* Install your space heater according to manufacturer's instructions or applicable codes,

consider professional installation.

* Plug your electric-powered space heater into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never

into an extension cord.

* Use the proper fuel as well as the proper grade for your liquid-fueled space heater.

Refuel only in a well-ventilated area and when the equipment is cool.

* In your fireplace or wood stove, use only dry, seasoned wood to avoid the build-up of

creosote.

* Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to start the fire. Do not use

artificial logs in wood stoves.

* Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.

Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept

a safe distance from your home.

* Turn off space heaters whenever the room they are in is unoccupied or under

circumstances when manufacturer's instructions say they should be turned off. Portable space

heaters are so easy to knock over in the dark that they should be turned off when going to bed.

Make sure your primary heating equipment for the bedrooms is sufficient to avoid risks to

residents from severe cold. * Do not use your oven to heat your home.

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