Revere Home Fireplace Prompts Residence Heating Security Reminders throughout
Yesterday, with temperatures dropping and winter approaching, a house fire in Revere brought attention to the need for home heating safety. Fire officials in Massachusetts urged residents to take proper heating precautions after a house fire in Revere caused by a furnace failure, according to the fire department.
Firefighter Jon M. Davine states that space heaters are the leading cause of carbon monoxide and the second leading cause of house fires in Massachusetts homes. According to the Department of Fire Services, there have been over 6,000 heating-related fires in the past five years, resulting in eight deaths, over 140 residents and firefighters injured, and over $39 million in damages.
To prevent further tragedies, firefighters emphasize the need for operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all floors of the home. Another important aspect is annual professional inspection and maintenance of heating devices such as furnaces, water heaters and oil burners. Additionally, Massachusetts residents struggling with heating costs could benefit from the state's Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides assistance with winter heating costs and maintenance.
For households that use natural gas and oil as heating media, it is important to maintain a 90 cm wide “safety circle” around the heating devices and to clear them of flammable objects. Additional safety measures recommend not storing painting materials, aerosol cans and other flammable items near heating devices. In addition, gas smells should be reported immediately to the emergency services, as the fire department reports.
Those who rely on fireplaces or stoves for heat should use a fireplace screen or a closed stove door to contain sparks and embers. Regular inspections and cleaning of chimneys and flues are necessary to prevent chimney fires because it eliminates burning creosote, a harmful substance that builds up naturally. Professional chimney cleaning services from the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild or the Chimney Safety Institute of America can be helpful in this regard.
When using space heaters, ensure they are at least three feet away from flammable items such as curtains and bedding. It is recommended that you plug it directly into the wall outlet and not into an extension cord or power strip. Space heaters that have been tested and labeled by reputable companies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL) are likely to have better safety features, including automatic shut-off mechanisms. Firefighter Davine similarly cautioned against the use of unvented kerosene space heaters and portable propane space heaters due to the high risk of fire and carbon monoxide.
Creating a comprehensive emergency escape plan is another important aspect of home security. Each plan should provide for two exits from each room, as well as alternate exits for children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities who may require assistance in emergencies. 1. Resources such as the Fire Department's Keep Warm, Keep Safe toolkit providing important information and guidance on maintaining home heating safety and emergency planning as mentioned by the Fire Department.
