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Alternative Heating Precautions

  

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With rising oil costs and dipping temperatures, homeowners in New England who heat their homes with oil may be tempted to use alternative heating sources.  If not used properly, alternative heat sources such as space heaters, kerosene heaters and wood stoves can increase the risk of fire. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months with half occurring during the months of December, January and February. 

The Insurance Information Institute reports that “supplemental heating devices are more dangerous because they provide many opportunities for error by the people using them. Here are some of problems:”

• Lack of regular cleaning, leading to creosote buildup in wood-burning devices, chimneys and connectors. (Creosote is a flammable, tar byproduct of wood smoke that builds up on the walls of a chimney or wood stove.) 
• Failing to give space heaters enough space. 
• Flaws in the construction or design of wood-burning equipment. 
• Fueling errors involving liquid- or gas-fueled heating equipment. 
• Improper installation.

To stay safe and warm this winter, follow these winter fire safety tips from the NFPA:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. 
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. 
• Never use your oven to heat your home. 
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

Standard homeowners insurance and renters insurance policies cover damage caused by fire and smoke as well as water or other damage resulting from fire fighters working to extinguish the blaze.  Before a fire or other disaster strikes, make sure you have enough insurance coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace personal belongings.