Home Heating Safety Tips

After above average temperatures during the holidays, Central Florida is finally starting to feel like winter! Since we’re all just starting to turn on our heating systems and fireplaces, I think it’s important to remember some safety tips. Why, you ask? Because the National Fire Protection Agency reports that fifty percent of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February (yep, even in Florida!). Also, check out my Home Energy (& $$$) Saving Tips post.

Some Basics:

- Install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm on every level of your home and near sleeping areas and make sure to keep them in good working order. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer.
- Never use a gas or charcoal barbecue grill inside your home or any enclosed area.
- Avoid using a cooking stove to heat your home.
- Turn off gas or electric space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Establish a fire escape plan with at least two means of exit from every room.

Chimney maintenance:

- Proper chimney maintenance reduces the buildup of creosote, a black tar substance that can block passageways or ignite.
- All chimneys should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. Remember, soot and creosote buildup in the chimney is what flue fires are made of.
- More Fireplace Tips Here

Heating equipment:

- Burns and fires associated with portable heaters, fireplaces and furnaces are a major concern. Any heating device must have care and maintenance to operate properly.
- When you turn on the heat in your home for the first time, expect a slight burning smell from the accumulation of dust that burns off coils. This smell should dissipate within a few minutes. If it does not, or if you notice an increase, call 9-1-1, as there may be an electrical problem.
- Keep plenty of clear space – at least 36 inches around and above – for all heating devices. Both fireplaces and portable heaters should be constantly attended when in use. Never go to bed or leave home while either is in use.
- Never use candles as a heat source.

Portable heaters

- Keep children away from space heaters.
- Keep heaters out of high traffic areas and away from pets.
- Don’t hide cords from portable heaters under rugs.
- Try not to use extension cords with space heaters. Use only heavy-duty extension cords if necessary.

Source: CBS Miami

If you feel these home maintenance tips are useful please share this post with your friends and family and stay tuned for more home maintenance tips, as well as other real estate related information, throughout the year.

Happy Winter! Stay warm my friends!

Warmly,

Amber N. Johnson
Licensed REALTOR ®
RE/MAX Select
Cell: 321-689-8196
Email: amber@mickeyhage.com
Website: www.orlandoforeclosurespecialists.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmberNJohnsonRealtor

Serving most of Central Florida including: Downtown Orlando, Colonialtown, College Park, Baldwin Park, Conway, Lake Nona, East Orlando, UCF, Waterford Lakes, Avalon Park, Bithlo, Christmas, Hunters Creek, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Metrowest, Ocoee,  Maitland, Oviedo, Winter Park, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Chuluota, Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Disney, Kissimmee, Saint Cloud, and Harmony

---

Posted in Home Maintenance
Tags: chimney, energy saving, fireplace, furnace, heater, heating, home maintenance, home safety, portable heater, real estate, Winter