Alternative heat sources may pose dangers

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating expenditures this winter will increase by an average of about 33 percent.

Lowe's and the nonprofit Home Safety Council are working together to make sure that safety precautions are taken to protect families from home fires and the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is commonly known as “the silent killer.” Because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, human sensors don't detect it. Carbon-monoxide poisoning kills nearly 300 people in their homes every year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Carbon monoxide is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces and kerosene heaters.

“Americans are facing a potentially expensive heating season, and alternative heat sources can be an economical solution helping keep homes warm,” said Patti Price, Lowe's merchandising vice president, seasonal living, in a Home Safety Council news release. “Families must take the appropriate precautions and understand how to safely use space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces, to keep loved ones safe and avoid serious injuries.”

The Home Safety Council's State of Home Safety in America report revealed 67 percent of American households use fuel-burning appliances and equipment, such as gas, wood, or kerosene that can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Heating equipment, especially portable and space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves, require careful use and proper maintenance.

Lowe's and Home Safety Council offer these tips:

Portable space heaters

o Purchase electric space heaters that bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory.

o Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, people, pets and window treatments.

o Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.

o Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.

o Use kerosene heaters only where permitted by law. Use the recommended grade of kerosene and never use an alternative fuel. Kerosene heaters must be fueled outside.

o Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.

Fireplaces and wood stoves

o Burn only seasoned hardwood, not trash, cardboard boxes or Christmas trees, because these items burn unevenly, may contain toxins and increase the risk of uncontrolled fires.

o Have a professional chimney sweep inspect chimneys annually for cracks, blockages and leaks, and have them cleaned and repaired as needed.

o Keep all people, pets and flammable objects, including kindling, bedding and clothing, at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves.

o Open flues before fireplaces are used.

o Use sturdy screens or doors to keep embers inside fireplaces.

o Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside or near sleeping areas.

o Keep young children away from working wood stoves and heaters to avoid contact burn injuries.

Carbon monoxide

o Install at least one carbon-monoxide alarm near sleeping areas.

o Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune up your home's central heating system and repair leaks or other problems; fireplaces and wood stoves should also be inspected each year and cleaned or repaired as needed.

o Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.

o Never use an oven or range to heat your home.

o Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.

o Portable electric generators must be used outside only. Never use them indoors, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow carbon monoxide to collect. Follow usage directions closely.

The Home Safety Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home-related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year.

[[In-content Ad]]