Keeping warm and safe in your Nashville home this winter

2/18/2015 (Permalink)

Wood burning stove vent system

According to Nfpa.org, half of home heating fires are reported between the months of December and February. For some, cranking the heat isn’t cutting it during this frigid winter. With temperatures plummeting below 0, people are finding every excuse to stay inside and keep as warm as possible. Alternatives to the furnace can be a great way to bring in extra warmth into the home, but can also create more fire hazards. Heating equipment in the home is one of the leading causes to fire damage and deaths.

Installing a wood burning stove or fireplace could be a great way to help heat up your home. Everyone loves the feeling of sitting next the fireplace on a cold, winter night. These are the more permanent, yet safer options over the portable heaters. If you choose to add extra heating equipment to your home this winter, just keep a few things in mind. 

Keeping warm while staying safe!

• Make sure that all fuel-burning equipment is vented properly to the outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
•  Give at least a good 3 feet in distance from any type of heating equipment to make sure that someone or something doesn’t get burned.
• Make sure that the equipment and vents are properly cleaned every year to ensure that there is no blockage.
• Always make sure to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or home or even going to bed for the night.
• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop any sparks from flying out of it and into your living area.
• Last but not least, always make sure to test your smoke alarms monthly. 

Source - http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/Safety%20tip%20sheets/heating_safety.pdf