High Cost of Heating May Bring Increased Danger as More Turn to Alternative Sources
September 22 2005 - 6:07AM
PR Newswire (US)
ERIE, Pa., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The cost of heating a home is
expected to rise again this season and many are looking toward
supplemental heating devices to help ease the burden. Lighting the
fireplace or using a wood stove may seem like a good idea but it is
important to consider the possible safety hazards first. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041112/ERIELOGO) "Many of
these 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." According to the most recent
information available from the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA), two out of three reported home heating fires and associated
deaths and injuries involved portable and fixed space heaters and
related equipment, such as fireplaces, chimneys and chimney
connectors. Alternative heating sources can be used safely by
following these recommendations: - 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. For more information
contact your local Erie Insurance agent or visit the company
website at http://www.erieinsurance.com/
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041112/ERIELOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Erie Insurance Group
CONTACT: Amy VanScoter, Corporate Communications of Erie Insurance
Group, +1-800-458-0811, ext. 7568, or, +1-814-870-7568, or Web
site: http://www.erieinsurance.com/
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