NJ Red Cross Issues Winter Heat Safety Tips: Dangers Include Space Heaters, Fireplaces and Stoves

Winter officially began on Tuesday, but it’s not too late to make sure you’re prepared to safely keep warm this year.

Although this winter has been one of the warmest on record so far, temperatures can fluctuate at any time. That’s why the North Jersey Region - American Red Cross recently released a winter advisory, reminding local families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources when temperatures begin to dip.

“The greatest disaster threat isn’t hurricanes or flooding, it’s home fires,” said Steven Sarinelli, regional disaster officer, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “We are encouraging families to take simple steps when using heating equipment to reduce the risk.”

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To reduce the risk of heating related fires, the Red Cross recommends the following tips:

• All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and items that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.

File photo by Mark Turnauckas via flickr