During winter, the high cost of furnace fuel, natural gas and electric baseboard heating forces many homeowners to search for alternative methods that will warm their homes and save them money. Wood stoves, electric space heaters and fireplaces are usually chosen as the top alternative choices. Unfortunately, these heating sources are more likely to cause fires and burns. Fire safety experts from Greenville SC recommend using these alternative sources with safety in mind. Statistics indicate that over 80 percent of home heating fire fatalities are caused by interaction with an alternative heating source. Portable space heaters cause almost 50 percent of those fires and about 30 percent start from escaping sparks and flames from wood stoves.
Wood stoves produce toasty warm heat for a home. They also start over 4,000 residential home fires each year. Wood stove owners should follow the recommended installation and maintenance materials for their wood stoves. Cast iron metal or plate steel construction is solid and a durable choice when deciding on which wood stove to buy. Wood stoves should be checked for cracks, smooth joints and secure hinges. If the stove is sitting on legs, they should be sturdy and have the ability to keep the wood stove safe from falling. Seasoned wood is best burned in wood stoves as fuel. Green wood produces moisture and builds up flammable creosote. An annual inspection and cleaning of the chimney and pipes should be completed as well as a monthly check for damage or obstructions around the stove.
Fireplaces are notorious for creosote buildup in their chimneys. Frequent cleaning of the chimney should be done if it's used regularly. At a minimum, a yearly inspection should be completed by a professional that knows where to look for cracks that could produce a deadly roof fire. Dry woods should always be used as well as a heavy screen. Sparks should not be able to escape from a fireplace, and a fire should never be left unattended.
Electric space heaters should be certified heating appliances if they are going to be used in the home. These types of heaters should never be used for drying clothes or for any other purpose except to warm a room. Using power bars and electrical extension cords with these type of units is frowned upon by fire safety Greenville SC experts. Units such as these should be plugged directly into wall outlets.
If a fire does start, a security SC fire alarm can come in very handy. It can even report a fire when the residents of a home are away. Fortunately, winter doesn't last all year and soon turns to Spring. Staying safe by following simple tips can help homeowners avoid dangerous fire situations and keep security in SC a top priority. www.priority1security.com.
Wood stoves produce toasty warm heat for a home. They also start over 4,000 residential home fires each year. Wood stove owners should follow the recommended installation and maintenance materials for their wood stoves. Cast iron metal or plate steel construction is solid and a durable choice when deciding on which wood stove to buy. Wood stoves should be checked for cracks, smooth joints and secure hinges. If the stove is sitting on legs, they should be sturdy and have the ability to keep the wood stove safe from falling. Seasoned wood is best burned in wood stoves as fuel. Green wood produces moisture and builds up flammable creosote. An annual inspection and cleaning of the chimney and pipes should be completed as well as a monthly check for damage or obstructions around the stove.
Fireplaces are notorious for creosote buildup in their chimneys. Frequent cleaning of the chimney should be done if it's used regularly. At a minimum, a yearly inspection should be completed by a professional that knows where to look for cracks that could produce a deadly roof fire. Dry woods should always be used as well as a heavy screen. Sparks should not be able to escape from a fireplace, and a fire should never be left unattended.
Electric space heaters should be certified heating appliances if they are going to be used in the home. These types of heaters should never be used for drying clothes or for any other purpose except to warm a room. Using power bars and electrical extension cords with these type of units is frowned upon by fire safety Greenville SC experts. Units such as these should be plugged directly into wall outlets.
If a fire does start, a security SC fire alarm can come in very handy. It can even report a fire when the residents of a home are away. Fortunately, winter doesn't last all year and soon turns to Spring. Staying safe by following simple tips can help homeowners avoid dangerous fire situations and keep security in SC a top priority. www.priority1security.com.
