As the mercury gets lower, we all turns to means of heating our homes. Wether this means a full-house furnace, or heating a single room at a time via a space heater, we all need to make sure that we not only set up, but properly maintain, and run these devices safely. If precautions are not followed, a residential fire may occur. This is the number one cause of fires in the months of December, January, and February, and follows only cooking equipment in a year-round total of house fires.
Fire Hydrants- In the winter months, snow can pile up near fire hydrants, and can possibly cover them in snow. This can make for a delay in the fire department getting water on the fire, which can ultimately lead to risk of loss to people, firefighters, and property. We encourage all to remove snow from the area surrounding a fire hydrant, if there is one in front of the building that you own.
Space Heaters- Occupants that use a space heater should always do so with anything that may catch on fire at least three feet away from the device. A space heater is designed to be an aid to a stronger heating device. They are not meant to be left on for an extended duration of time. If you are not using it, you should always unplug the unit, and if you are storing it, wait for it to cool down prior to storage. You should never attempt to dry out clothing, or anything that can catch fire with a space heater.

Fire places- More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire. A depletion of oxygen in these fires can lead to a creosote build-up which can cause a chimney fire. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire, and when you are done with the fire, Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.

Gas or electric furnaces -Gas or electric furnaces that have not been used for several months will most likely have a build-up of dust and dirt on heating elements. This can cause a burning smell and even a light haze of white smoke when first operated for the season. This smell and haze are not harmful, and will take only several uses before all the dust and dirt on the heating unit are burnt away. To be safe, try to run the furnace on a warm day while opening all windows so the smell can escape. If the smoke turns black and the furnace starts to rumble leave the building immediately and call the fire department by dialing 911.