The Delaware Fire Marshal’s Office released these tips for keeping your home safe this winter:
- All appliances should only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.
- For wood stoves or fireplaces, have a professional inspect the chimney, chimney connector and other related equipment every year, and have them cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.
- Home heating appliances should be inspected annually to check for leaks and to improve efficiency.
- Space heaters should be at least three feet away from anything that can burn such as curtains, furniture, and bedding.
- Fuel portable kerosene heaters in a well-ventilated area away from flames or other heat sources, and only when the device has cooled completely. Use only the type of kerosene specified by the manufacturer, and never use gasoline.
- Portable space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room or go to bed.
- Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose ashes in a metal container. Keep the metal container outside away from the house.
- Never refuel a kerosene heater inside the home.
- Never use a gasoline fueled portable generator inside the home.
- Test your smoke detectors once a month.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Develop and implement a fire escape plan and include children and holiday visitors into the escape plan
- Consult organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep current with recent recalls and safety bulletins.
Questions on fire safety may be directed to your local fire department or Fire Marshal’s Office.