Be safe, check your heating equipment

We all know that the winter cold can be dangerous. But turning up the heat can also be a fire risk if heating equipment is not properly used.

Heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Research shows that heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,000 reported home fires in 2005. These fires resulted in roughly 700 deaths and 1,500 injuries. The majority of home heating fires involve chimneys. Most deaths involve space heaters.

Countryside Fire Protection District urges residents to help reduce the number of home heating fires. Here are ways to decrease the risk:

• Keep or maintain a 3-foot space between heating equipment and anything that can burn.

• Do not use your oven to heat your home.

• Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly.

• Portable space heaters should be turned off every when leaving the room and before going to bed.

• Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if needed.

For information, visit www.countrysidefire.com.

Tony Rodkey

Public Education

Coordinator,

Countryside Fire Protection District