Fire Prevention Week - Heating

  • Safety Toolbox Talk Webmaster
  • Safety Toolbox Talk Webmaster's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Administrator
  • Administrator
More
#327 by Safety Toolbox Talk Webmaster
Fire Prevention Week - Heating was created by Safety Toolbox Talk Webmaster

This week is National Fire Prevention Week and an important time to look at preventing fires both here and at home.

Did you know that heating is the #2 reason of home? In 2005, heating equipment was involved in 62,200 reported U.S. home structure fires, with 670 deaths, 1,550 injuries, and $909 million in direct property damage. Nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February in 2002-2005.

The use of portable space heaters were responsible for almost 1/3 of all home heating fires and 3/4 of all deaths in 2005. The top reason . . . heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.

If you utilize a portable space heater this winter, ensure it is at least 3 feet away from anything that is can readily catch fire.

  • Keep the heater away from drapes, furniture or other flammable materials.
  • Place the heater on a level surface away from areas where someone might bump it and knock it over.
  • If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is a heavy duty cord marked with a power rating at least as high as that on the label of the heater itself.
  • Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.
  • Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.
  • Use only clear (1-K) kerosene in such heaters. Never use gasoline or any other substitute fuel.
  • Be sure that the wick is set at the recommended height, and the room is adequately ventilated.
  • Always refill the fuel tank outside , and turn off the heater and let it cool before refilling. (Fuel hitting a hot surface could ignite.) Fill only until the fuel gauge indicates "full.".


For more information you can visit www.firepreventionweek.org

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Super UserSafety Toolbox Talk Webmaster