Consumer Resources

Fire Department Advising Tennessee Residents to Heat Home Safely this Winter

With the weather in the greater Nashville area turning colder and many residents turning on their heating sources, fire department officials are asking the public to properly inspect their systems.

Winter months are a main time for home fires to start. Safety experts are reminding residents to have their wood stoves, chimneys and furnaces inspected and cleaned annually by professionals.

With more than one-third of Americans using wood stoves, fireplaces, and other fuel-fired appliances as main heat sources, there are potential risks for a fire.

You and your family can stay warm, cozy and safe by taking some simple precautions and by always using your fireplace, wood stoves and furnace equipment properly.

The United States Fire Administration encourages residents to practice the following fire safety steps:

v Have your wood stove or chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.

v Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.

v Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

v Plug power cords only into outlets with enough capacity and never into an extension cord.

v Burn only well-seasoned, dry wood in fireplaces and wood burning stoves.

v Use a sturdy fireplace screen.

v Allow ashes to cool before disposing of ashes in a metal container.

v Follow manufacturer instructions to store and refuel space heaters.

v Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom and connect all smoke alarms throughout the home — when one sounds, they all sound.

v Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

v Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.

v Never use an oven to heat your home.

Additionally, never leave candles burning when you are not home and be careful of overloading electric outlets with holiday decorations. Also, have your furnace or HVAC heating equipment inspected by an HVAC certified specialist to ensure there are no leaks in the duck work or other issues with your system.