As you have probably all heard, we have had some serious house fires in the area recently. In the past week alone, 10 Illinoisans have lost their lives to such fires. With December through February accounting for nearly half of all home heating fires in Illinois, I would encourage you all to take some time and review the proper fire safety precautions to ensure you, your family, and your home are safe.
Per the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall, the most important steps you can take to prevent these tragedies are testing and inspecting all smoke alarms monthly, reviewing and practicing fire escape plans, and following manufactures instructions on all home heating devices.
OSFM also recommends the following safety tips during the winter months:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a
qualified professional and change furnace filters frequently. - Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water
heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and
manufacturers’ instructions. - Keep interior and exterior air vents clear of blockages or obstructions.
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like a
furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. - Purchase units with an automatic shutoff in case the unit tips over or you forget to
shut it off. - Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
Ashes should be cool before being placed into a metal container. Keep the container
a safe distance away from your home. - Create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- Test smoke and CO alarms at least once a month and be familiar with the sounds they
make. - Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
- Remember to turn off portable or space heaters when leaving the room or going to
bed. - Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each floor of your home and within
15 feet of each sleeping area. - CO detectors have a limited life span; check the manufacturer’s instructions for
information on replacement.
To read OSFM’s full press release on winter home heating fire safety, click here.