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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