It’s time for an annual home heating safety check
By Melanie Davis
melanie@highcountrymedia.net

Cold weather is arriving in the High Country, and it is once again time to light the furnace or bring in the wood for a fireplace.

With heat comes a potential fire hazard if safety measures are not taken.

Home fires and potential injury or death can be prevented by following safety tips and identifying problems in and around the home.

Prior to lighting the furnace or fireplace, the most important step should be cleaning and maintenance.

Chimneys should be swept by a professional. A certified service technician should be called to inspect furnace and heating appliances.

Many citizens have already lit the home heating source. A technician should still conduct an inspection. Leaks and faulty equipment pose a serious health and safety risk and can be easily corrected.

Chimney fires in Watauga County have been decreasing over the last three years, but should still be monitored closely.

A protective screen should be used to prevent burning logs from rolling out of the contained area.

Combustible material should never be used in a fireplace. Starter logs or other natural means can be employed when starting a fire.

Ash disposal should be a regular routine. Ashes should be disposed of into a metal container with water poured over them. Ashes should never be placed on a porch or deck area. Embers may still be hot for several days after a fire is extinguished.

Another important risk reduction action is cleaning the area around the primary heat source. Hearths and areas around a furnace should be kept clear of debris and combustible materials.

Baseboard heat poses no threat of carbon monoxide release, but do reach high temperatures.

Furniture, curtains and all other items should be kept several inches away from baseboards. Bedding can pose a risk if the bed is too close to the baseboard. Pillows and blankets may be kicked off in the night, landing on the heat source.

The high cost of energy has left many citizens searching for alternate heat sources in their homes. However, space heaters can pose a residential fire hazard if not used properly.

Several precautions must be observed. An area of three feet around a space heater should be kept completely free of all materials. A space heater should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Extension cords should not be used. Never leave a space heater on when leaving the home and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Unvented heat sources, such as kerosene heaters, are extremely dangerous and should not be used within a home.

Another source of heat should be explored. Unvented heaters not only pose a high fire risk, but there is a substantial increase in carbon monoxide risk. The lack of venting allows the carbon monoxide to directly enter the space in which the heater is used.

If a resident smells or sees smoke, there should not be any hesitation in evacuating the home and calling 911 for fire department assistance. Families should have an escape plan and designated meeting place outside the home. Frequently check the batteries in smoke detectors for earlier warning in case of an emergency.

For more information on home heat safety, or any of the fire and life safety programs offered, call the Boone Fire Department at (828) 262-4520.