There’s nothing quite like warm gloves, hot apple cider, and the comforting warmth a home full of family and friends brings during the holiday season! (Especially when temperatures outside drop below zero on a whim, only in Colorado!)
President of ALINK Insurance Services, Bill Syddall and his family enjoying last year's Thanksgiving holiday together.
These freezing temps call for some HEAT. It’s time to crank up the furnace, light up the fireplace, and pull out the space heater to warm things up around here. However, all of this heating brings along with it an increased risk for winter fires in the home. Consider the following heating safety tips from the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association to protect your home and family this winter:
FURNACE HEATING
- Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
- Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
- Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported, free of holes, and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
- Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
- Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.
WOOD STOVES AND FIREPLACES
- Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly.
- Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
- Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
- Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to stop embers from flying into the room.
- Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Let them cool before placing them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
- Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
- Before you go to sleep, make sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.
SPACE HEATERS
- If using an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit.
- Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
- Keep young children away from space heaters – especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing that can easily ignite.
- Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting.
- Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.
- Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, outside of the house.
- Never fill the heater while it is operating or hot. Do not overfill and be sure to refuel outside of the home.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.
Warm up safely this winter! Contact us at ALINK Insurance Services for all of your insurance needs and questions, we’re your link to security!
Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148
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