The deep winter months bring that winter chill and it is common to be using heaters freely. The Utah Department of Public Safety reminds the public that heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths. There are a few tips to follow to keep homes safe. Keep anything that burns at least three-feet away from heating equipment, as well as a three foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. Be sure to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed and never use the oven to heat the house. Use a qualified professional to inspect heating equipment and chimneys. Install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. Any fireplace should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room, and ashes should be cooled before removing them. Test smoke alarms at least once a month and maintain carbon monoxide alarms.
