Heating Safety

Heating Safety Tips

When looking to remain warm on cold days, please follow these heating safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe.

• Keep a 3-foot (1 meter) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Supervise children whenever a wood or oil stove or other space heater is being used. Use a sturdy metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are more common than flame burns.
• All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from heating equipment.
• Use heating equipment that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Never use your oven or stove for heating. Ovens and stoves are not designed to heat your home.
• Install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to local codes and the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Ensure that a qualified professional installs heating equipment.
• Make sure fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is created when fuels burn incompletely. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause illness and even death. Make sure the venting for exhaust is kept clear and unobstructed. This includes removal of snow and ice and other debris around the outlet to the outside.
• Choose a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Generators

Downed utility lines, power company blackouts, heavy snow falls or summer storms can all lead to power outages. Portable generators are a temporary solution to power appliances. It's important to know that portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous, deadly gas.

Use these tips to avoid CO exposure:

• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet (7 metres) from all doors, windows, and vent openings. Measure the 20-foot (7 metre) distance from the generator to the building.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can't enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building. The exhaust must be directed away from the building.
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer's instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot.
• Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.
   

Just Remember...

When plugging in appliances, make sure they are plugged directly into the generator or a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts, tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install a properly rated transfer switch in accordance with the National Electrical Code® (NEC) and all applicable state and local electrical codes.

IF YOU DO BURN CANDLES, make sure that you...

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won't tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down -  put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home. Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.