“Many home heating fires can be easily prevented with proper installation, maintenance and a little common sense,” says Terry McConnell of Erie Insurance Group. “Among the main causes are – lack of regular cleaning leading to creosote build-up in chimneys and improper installation when wood burning stoves are placed too close to walls or other combustibles.” When using alternative heating sources, Erie Insurance recommends the following:
- Inspect fireplaces and wood burning stoves and have chimneys cleaned prior to home heating season each year. Use floor protection and a sturdy screen when burning fires to prevent damage from flying sparks.
- NEVER light or rekindle a fire with kerosene, gasoline, or charcoal lighter fluid.
- Nearly all wood burning stoves require a 36-inch clearing from walls and other combustibles.
- Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions. Use only seasoned wood. Never leave a fireplace or wood burning stove unattended.
- Have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the house and outside every sleeping area. Keep a fire extinguisher in a central location.
- If you must use a space heater, choose one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Make sure the space heater has an automatic shut off feature and do not use in sleeping areas.
Remember, when you need pennsylvania homeowners insurance, Erie Insurance is the place to go
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