ASHFORD
Volunteer Fire Department
Proudly serving the citizens of Ashford since 1950!
Fire  •  EMS  •  Rescue
P.O. Box 1 • Ashford, CT 06278 • (860) 429-9862
HOME HEATING SAFETY
STAY WARM AND SAFE

Heating equipment, especially portable and space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves, require
careful use and proper maintenance. The Ashford Volunteer Fire Department offers the following  
tips to help families prevent fire- and burn-related injuries during the winter months.

Portable Space Heaters

  • Purchase electric space heaters that bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory,
    such as UL, ETL, CSA, etc.

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

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

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

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

  • Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

  • 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.

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

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

  • Open flues before fireplaces are used.

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

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

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

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Precautions

Carbon monoxide is commonly known as “the silent killer.” Because it is colorless odorless, and
tasteless, none of your senses can detect it. CO claims the lives of nearly 300 people in their
homes each year according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CO is a
potentially deadly gas that is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces,
wood stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters. Follow these guidelines to help keep your family
safer.

  • Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas.

  • 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.

  • Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.

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

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

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

Information provided courtesy of the Home Safety Council, www.homesafetycouncil.org.