Heating Equipment Deaths: Santa Cruz Fire Urges Caution

SANTA CRUZ, CA — If you're like many longtime Californians, the chances are good that you're a weather wimp. As temperatures drop, many of us depend on heating equipment — one of the leading causes of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Half of home heating fires are reported between the months of December through February, according to NFPA. The Santa Cruz Fire Department wants people to be wary of such emergencies and shared a list of NFPA tips to its Facebook page Monday.

Try to avoid heating equipment fires by:

• Keeping kids and objects that can burn three feet away from heating equipment;
• Testing smoke alarms monthly
• Avoiding the use of an oven as a heater;
• Relying on a professional to install heating equipment;
• Turn off portable heaters before bedtime;
• Get chimneys cleaned and inspected regularly;
• Use the right kind of fuel for fuel-burning space heaters;
• Ensure your fireplace has a screen to prevent sparks from flying;
• Cool fireplace ashes before putting them in a metal container, stored a safe distance from your home.

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