Heating
Heating and Appliance Saftey
While we all enjoy cozying up to a fire during the winter months, did you know that heaters and heating equipment are the second leading cause of house fires? Space heaters, which account for 4 out of 5 heating related fires, can be extremely dangerous if not given the appropriate clearance from combustible items. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from portable heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves! Follow the tips below to ensure that you and your family remain safe when the temperature drops!
Information and Statistics
Based on 2014-2018 annual averages:
- Most home heating fire deaths (81%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (25%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- Half of the home heating fire deaths were caused by having heating equipment to close too things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing mattresses or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
