B-R-R-R-R-R ... it's getting cold!

Temperatures are expected to fall into the mid-twenties across the state this week, which will spark an uptick in purchases of home heating equipment. It is important to keep safety in mind if you are planning on purchasing or activating a space heater or other heating equipment for your home.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second-leading cause of U.S. residential fires and the third-leading cause of residential fire deaths. 53% of all home heating fire deaths resulted from fires that began when heating equipment was too close to flammable items.
Our agency offers the following space heater tips to ensure safety while staying warm:

• Space heaters should always be kept away from anything that is flammable.
• Heaters need to have proper ventilation and it is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products.
• When using a kerosene space heater, make sure it has an automatic shut-off switch in case it happens to fall over.
• Do not use gasoline in a space heater as it can result in an explosion. Only K-1 kerosene should be used.
• Heaters should never be refueled when they are still hot. Make sure you take the heater outside after it has cooled before refueling.
• Kids should never be allowed within three feet of any space heater, fireplace, or wood-burning stove.
• Consumers should have their home heating unit checked annually to be sure it is working safely and efficiently. If there is a suspected gas leak, it is essential that you leave the home immediately and make the call to the gas company from a different location.
• Every household should have a well-rehearsed escape plan. All rooms in the home should have two escape routes in case of emergency. There should also be a designated meeting place outside the home so everyone can be sure they made it out safely (end of the street, other side of the cul-de-sac, neighbor’s house, etc.).
• State law requires a smoke alarm in every home. However, it is recommended to have one on every floor, specifically right outside bedrooms. Changing the batteries in these alarms should be done twice a year. Testing the alarms should be done monthly