OIL FURNACE TIPS

​Baby, it's cold outside, but crankin’ up the oil furnace is getting more and more expensive. Alternative heating methods are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.
 
In order to keep their homes warm, many people are turning to wood, electric heaters and gas fireplaces, but these new sources of heat bring with them a new set of fire-prevention concerns.

Always exercise caution when heating your home. Consider these safety tips: 


Heaters or fireplaces powered by electricity:
 
The instructions and warning labels on your heater should be read and followed exactly as they are on the product you just purchased.
 
Keep an eye on it and unplug it when not in use. To avoid damaging the cord, make sure you unplug the device by pulling the cord straight out.
 
To avoid overheating, do not plug the heater into a power strip or extension cord.
 
Never block the heater's air intake or outlet with flammable materials, and always keep it at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire.
 
Wood Burning Stoves:
 
On a regular basis, have a professional inspect and clean your chimney.
 
Cover the front of the fireplace with a glass or metal screen to keep out flammable materials.
 
Lock up lighters and matches in a cupboard out of the reach of children.
 
Tips for a Safer Life:
 
During the holiday season, candles are a typical and add ambiance to a house. They should never be left unattended or burning in a closed location. To prevent a candle from falling over, always use sturdy holders. When you're done with the room, extinguish the candles.
 
The family should devise an escape strategy and practice it twice a year. There should be two ways out of each room, and an outdoor gathering spot should be chosen.
 
Ensure that you have smoke alarms on every floor of your house. Every month, set a reminder in your calendar to check them and to replace the batteries.
 
Keep your dryer's lint filter clean at all times. Lint accumulation has the potential to ignite.
 
Put out pan fires by sliding the lid over the flames and always have an extinguisher in your kitchen.
 
"Stop, Drop, and Roll" should be taught to every member of the family in the event that their garments catch fire. In order to acquire the greatest air for breathing, practice crawling and going down low.
 
It's a good idea to keep the phone numbers of your emergency contacts on hand.