FASNY: Heat your home safely this winter

Fire departments see an increase in home fires during winter 

Submitted by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York

Winter is soon to hit the Northeast, and promises to bring with it freezing temperatures and snow. As New Yorkers turn on their heat this winter and curl up next to their fireplaces, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) wants to remind everyone to follow some simple tips when heating their homes this winter.

Heating is the leading cause of U.S. home fires, and the second-leading cause of deaths and injuries, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, with December, January and February being the peak months for heating fires.

“Fire departments throughout the state typically see an increase in the amount of fires they respond to during winter months, with many caused by improperly operated or maintained heating equipment,” FASNY President Gene Perry said.

Space heaters and fireplaces can increase the risk of a home fire when used improperly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are a leading cause of residential fires and burn injuries that send people to the emergency room each year.

Homeowners should check that all their heating equipment is functioning properly, and double-check that all their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly.

“Always make sure your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarms have batteries and are operational,” Perry said. “We recommend everyone place carbon monoxide alarms outside of sleeping areas in the home, especially as it gets colder and snow may block exhaust pipes in homes. We want all New Yorkers to be fire-safe this winter – and remember: If there is a fire, get out, stay out, and call 911 or your local emergency number.”

Here are some home heating tips from FASNY:

•Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

•Have a 3-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 at least once a month.

More about FASNY: Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the approximately 90,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York state. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.