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PURO-TEC PROPERTY RESTORATION Shares Article Information on How to Prevent Fires While Trying to Stay Warm

In a recent article entitled, “Fire Risks Increase Due to Cold Weather” by Lisa McDonald the National Fire Protection Association is quoted stating, “heating ranks only behind smoking in causing home-fire deaths and second only to cooking in causing home-fire injuries. Most home-heating fire deaths and injuries involve space heaters.” It is so important in times of cold weather to use safe methods to stay warm in order to prevent accidental fires at your home or business. Many of these fires are a result of the improper use of space heaters and fireplaces, but it is also necessary to be aware of heating tips that will keep you and your family both warm and safe. The article goes on to share tips on how to safely use space heaters, fireplaces/chimneys, and some other general safety heating suggestions.

Space Heater Safety

1. Space heaters need space. Keep all things that burn – such as drapes, bedding and furniture – at least 3 feet from heater.
2. Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it’s tipped over.
3. Plug electric space heaters into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
4. Use the proper grade of fuel for a liquid-fuel space heater, and never use gasoline in a heater not approved for gasoline use. Refuel only in a well-ventilated area and when the equipment is cool.
5. Turn off space heaters whenever the room is unoccupied.
6. Because space heaters are easy to knock over in the dark, turn them off when going to bed. However, make sure your primary heating equipment for bedrooms is sufficient to avoid risks from severe cold.

Fireplace and Chimney Safety

1. Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.
2. Open the flue and damper before starting a fire.
3. Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to start the fire.
4. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
5. Allow fireplace and wood-stove ashes to cool and then place them in a metal container, which should be kept away from the house.
6. In a fireplace or wood stove, use only dry seasoned wood to avoid the buildup of creosote, an oily deposit that catches fire easily.
7. If you’re burning a fire all day, make sure it gets very hot at least twice a day to remove creosote and ash from the chimney.
8. Don’t use artificial logs in wood stoves.

General Home Heating Tips

1. Don’t use an oven or grill to heat a home.
2. To prevent deadly carbon monoxide build-up, make sure fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside, the venting is clear and unobstructed, and the exit point is sealed around the vent.
3. Inspect heating equipment annually and clean it as necessary.
4. Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area.

(Source: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/fire-risks-increase-due-to-cold-weather/-/1637132/23771310/-/aljb58/-/index.html)

In the case of fire damage that requires restoration services at your home or business call PURO-TEC PROPERTY RESTORATION at 1-877-PURO-TEC.