Heating Hazards: Casper Fire EMS Says Stay Warm, But Safe

With bitter cold temperatures in the forecast and more sure to come, Casper Fire EMS wants to remind folks how to be safe from fire hazards while staying warm. Fire Captain Justin Smith says half of home heating fires are reported in the months of December, January, and February so here are some helpful hints on how to avoid those dangers.

• Keep combustibles (anything that can burn) at least three feet away from heating sources. That includes furnaces, fireplaces, baseboard heaters, wood stoves, and portable space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Make sure your heating equipment and chimneys are cleaned and inspected every year by qualified professionals.
• Be sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to keep sparks from escaping into the room, and dispose of ashes properly. They should be cool before being placed in a metal container, and you should keep that container a safe distance from your home.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms.
• If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave your home immediately and call Casper Fire EMS or your gas company

You can find more safety tips and precautions here.