Fire Place and Space Heater Safety

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

According to the NFPA( National Fire Protection Association) heating equipment used in cold winter months are the leading cause of home fire deaths. Heating equipment estimates about $1 billion in property damages annually. 

If you choose to use heating equipment in your Tuscaloosa home, please use some of these safety tips provided by NFPA:

• anything potentially flammable should be a minimum of 3 ft away
• practicing a "no kid zone" in the 3 foot surrounding area of a heater or fireplace
• sturdy screen in front of your fire place to catch wayward sparks
• store ashes once they have cooled completely in  a metal container and place the container away from your house
• turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed
• test your smoke alarms monthly. Replace all batteries at least once a year. Don't need batteries? Replace those smoke alarms every 10 years
• clean and inspect the fireplace every year before winter season when you need it!

In the event of a Fire in your Tuscaloosa County home, call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa to help you with the clean up and restoration of your property!