DIGHTON – As the temperature begins to drop this fall, Chief Christopher Maguy and the Dighton Fire Department wish to share home heating safety tips with residents.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, home heating is the second leading cause of home fires in Massachusetts.
“As the chill sets in and more people begin to heat their homes for the fall and winter, we encourage all residents to review these safety tips to ensure their homes and families stay safe,” said Chief Maguy. “When using heating equipment, it’s best to educate and practice fire safety with your children. This is a small step to take that may prevent tragedy.”
The Dighton Fire Department wishes to share the following winter home heating safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:
- Install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
- Do not use a stove, oven or grill for heat.
- On an annual basis, furnaces and chimneys should checked by a professional.
- Make sure to keep appliance vents and exhaust pipes clear of drifting snow and bushes.
- Practice home fire drills and establish an escape plan with everyone in your household.
- Practice fire safety and teach children to do the same.
- If using a fireplace or a solid fuel stove:
- Have the chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis.
- Check that your stove is approved by a national testing agency.
- Obtain a building permit prior to installing a stove.
- Make sure anything capable of burning is three feet away from the stove.
- Put any ashes in a metal container when disposing of them, and store them away from the house.
- If you use a space heater:
- Space heaters should not be used as a primary heating system.
- Make sure anything capable of burning is kept at least three feet away from the space heater.
- Never leave a space heater on before falling asleep or going out.
- It is illegal to use portable kerosene heaters in Massachusetts for the home.
- When using natural gas to cook and/or heat a home, make sure to maintain that system:
- On an annual basis, have the furnace and hot water heater professionally checked.
- Never use or store gasoline or painting equipment indoors where they could be ignited by the pilot light.
- If you smell something similar to rotten eggs or believe there may be a gas leak, evacuate, do not smoke or turn off electrical switches and call 911.
- In order to maintain oil heating systems:
- On an annual basis, have your boiler professionally cleaned and checked.
- Do not allow the tank to get completely empty.
- If the oil burner releases smoke or soot indoors, call for service.
For more fire safety tips and recommendations, visit www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.
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