"Keep the home fires burning" is a saying used to offer comfort to those who are forced to be away from home. It reminds them of the warm cozy home that is waiting for them. While we enjoy the coziness of our homes during a cold blustery winter, it is important to remember that the heating systems we use to keep our homes warm need to be properly used and maintained. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February, and trails only cooking equipment in home fires year-round.

Although the safest means of heating our homes is a well-maintained central heating system, many people use other heat sources. According to the latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, two out of every three home fires associated with heating equipment involve devices other than central furnaces or water heaters.

If you are using a wood stove, kerosene or electric portable heater, it is important to know what precautions need to be taken. Portable heaters must be placed 36 inches from any combustibles, which includes wallpaper, clothing, furniture, curtains, pets and children. Never leave portable heaters running unattended or when you are sleeping. 

Wood stoves: These stoves burn very hot. Combustibles such as furniture, paper, rugs and clothing need to be kept away from them. It is important to have the chimney and stovepipes cleaned before the heating season, and ashes always should be discarded in metal containers with tight fitting lids. Never burn anything other than dried logs in the stove and never, never, use an accelerant or pressed logs to start a stove fire. Also, when using wood stoves, it is very important to make sure that there is proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Electric heaters: Make sure the wires on your heater are not frayed. The fact that these heaters don’t have a flame does not make them safer. You must take caution and make sure they are not put too close to things that could catch fire. 

Kerosene heaters: Before using a kerosene heater, make sure the wick is cleaned and at the height specified by the manufacturer. Use only 1-K kerosene and store the fuel away from the heater in a marked container approved by your local fire department. Never leave a kerosene heater unattended or burning while you are sleeping. Never block a doorway or exit with the heater, and never add fuel to the heater while it is burning or hot. Never dry clothing or other combustibles on the heater. Never put a pan of water on the heater (often done in an effort to make the air less dry). This is a bad idea and may cause severe burns if the heater is knocked over. Above all, keep children and pets away from burning kerosene heaters. As a burn survivor who knows how fast clothing can burn, I find the kerosene heater to be the most threatening cause of fires and burns - they always should be used with extreme caution.

Fireplaces: If you heat your home with a fireplace, you should have the chimney inspected for creosote buildup before each winter season. Always use a sturdy fireplace screen and never burn paper, trash or pine cones, as these can cause ambers to fly out of the chimney and cause a roof fire. Only burn seasoned wood that has been left to dry under a cover for six months and remember that it is never ok to burn flammable liquids. Make sure the flue is open when starting a fire, and never leave children or pets unattended while a fire is burning. Remember, it only takes seconds for a tragedy to occur. 

Furnaces: Before the heating season, change the filter and have your furnace checked by a competent heating technician.

For an added measure of winter safety, check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm, and rehearse your fire escape plan. If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to make one.

Safely "keep the home fires burning" while you enjoy the warmth of your cozy home this winter.