Posted on October 22, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Around this time of year, many people are doing whatever they can to keep cold weather out of their homes. However, for your own safety, there are a few things you should know before you do so.
State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, reports that during the months of October through December, fire-related deaths increase because of alternative heating sources. He advises Indiana residents to take particular precautions when these sources are utilized in order to ensure safety this season.
Make sure to all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working properly. After that initial check, be sure to test the equipment frequently and replace it as needed.
When picking out a space heater, consider purchasing one with built-in tilt or heat sensors so it automatically switches off it the unit tips over or overheats.
Only one heater should be plugged into each electrical outlet and a heating device should never be left on in unoccupied rooms. Always be sure to keep at least 3 feet of empty space around space heaters at all times and keep them away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture.
Due to the associated dangers, Greeson says that people should avoid using space heaters and alternative heating sources if at all possible. The State Fire Marshal has some simple suggestions to consider before resorting to an alternative heating source.
For instance, caulking windows and doors can prevent drafts and decrease heat loss. He also recommends wearing thick warm clothing such as socks, slippers and long johns and staying active indoors to increase body heat by exercising, dancing or cleaning.
He said some of these tips may sound strange but they can help Hoosiers stay warm without the risk of fire hazard and save them a little money on their heating bills.
You can find even more helpful information in the official press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
Showing posts with label alternative heating sources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alternative heating sources. Show all posts
Monday, October 22, 2018
Saturday, January 6, 2018
State Fire Marshal Issues Safety Reminders, As Cold Weather Continues
Posted on January 6, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As cold weather continues, Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson is once again reminding Hoosiers to be careful with alternative heating sources. He notes that house fires occur more often in winter, and much of that is due to alternative heating. If you need to use a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from other objects, especially anything that’s flammable.
Before using a fireplace, make sure it’s been cleaned by a certified professional. Use only dry, seasoned firewood, and don’t close the damper while there are still hot ashes in the fireplace.
Also, avoid kitchen fires by cleaning grease from burners and stovetops and staying in the kitchen while cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As cold weather continues, Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson is once again reminding Hoosiers to be careful with alternative heating sources. He notes that house fires occur more often in winter, and much of that is due to alternative heating. If you need to use a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from other objects, especially anything that’s flammable.
Before using a fireplace, make sure it’s been cleaned by a certified professional. Use only dry, seasoned firewood, and don’t close the damper while there are still hot ashes in the fireplace.
Also, avoid kitchen fires by cleaning grease from burners and stovetops and staying in the kitchen while cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
State Fire Marshal Provides Alternative Heating Tips
Posted on December 26, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Around this time of year, many people are doing whatever they can to keep the effects of winter weather out of their homes. However, for your own safety, there are a few things you should know before you do so.
According to State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the U.S. Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take particular precautions if alternative heating equipment is utilized in order to ensure safety this season.
He advises residents to never leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms and to only have one heater plugged in to each electrical outlet. Be to keep heaters away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture.
Due to the associated dangers, Greeson says that people should avoid using space heaters and alternative heating sources if possible. He says if it is necessary to purchase a space heater, consider purchasing one with built-in tilt or heat sensors that automatically switch off it the unit tips over or overheats.
For more information about alternative heating and other helpful safety tips visit The Indiana Department of Homeland Security website.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Around this time of year, many people are doing whatever they can to keep the effects of winter weather out of their homes. However, for your own safety, there are a few things you should know before you do so.
According to State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the U.S. Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take particular precautions if alternative heating equipment is utilized in order to ensure safety this season.
He advises residents to never leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms and to only have one heater plugged in to each electrical outlet. Be to keep heaters away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture.
Due to the associated dangers, Greeson says that people should avoid using space heaters and alternative heating sources if possible. He says if it is necessary to purchase a space heater, consider purchasing one with built-in tilt or heat sensors that automatically switch off it the unit tips over or overheats.
For more information about alternative heating and other helpful safety tips visit The Indiana Department of Homeland Security website.
Monday, October 30, 2017
State Fire Marshal Urges Residents Stay Safe While Heating Their Homes
Posted on October 30, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As colder weather approaches, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reminds residents to stay safe while keeping their homes warm. State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says alternative heating sources, like space heaters and other devices are a big cause of home fires and fire-related deaths.
He recommends avoiding the use of space heaters, if possible. If you do use one, keep it at least three feet away from other objects, especially curtains, furniture, and bedding.
If you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected by a certified professional, and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector nearby. Remember to put out fires and turn off heaters before leaving your home or going to bed.
Instead of using an alternative heating source, Greesen recommends trying a few other options, like reducing drafts, wearing long underwear, or simply moving around your home to keep warm. He also says that baking or cooking can help warm up the home, but don’t use an oven specifically as a heating source, because that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm, and test it regularly.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As colder weather approaches, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reminds residents to stay safe while keeping their homes warm. State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says alternative heating sources, like space heaters and other devices are a big cause of home fires and fire-related deaths.
He recommends avoiding the use of space heaters, if possible. If you do use one, keep it at least three feet away from other objects, especially curtains, furniture, and bedding.
If you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected by a certified professional, and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector nearby. Remember to put out fires and turn off heaters before leaving your home or going to bed.
Instead of using an alternative heating source, Greesen recommends trying a few other options, like reducing drafts, wearing long underwear, or simply moving around your home to keep warm. He also says that baking or cooking can help warm up the home, but don’t use an oven specifically as a heating source, because that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm, and test it regularly.
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