Safety Tips for Heating a House During Winter
by Kira on Nov 29, 2015
Sometimes, a winter storm can knock the power out in the whole building. When the power goes out, there are a few options for heating the house, such as space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and kerosene heaters.
Before purchasing or operating any of these heating devices, be sure to consider the appropriate safety factors. There is a great risk of death by fire or carbon monoxide poisoning when the necessary safety measures are overlooked. It's much more dangerous than finding yourself in a house lockout situation or getting ill due to a lack of heating possibilities inside the house.
Safety Guidelines for Heating Your House
The following are general guidelines for heating devices:
- Children should not be able to access any of the heaters. Be careful when locking doors and leaving the house - you don't want to step outside for just a second and experience a house lockout, while a heater is running in the house.
- Ventilation should be used when any object larger than a candle is being used for heating purposes.
- NEVER use the kitchen oven or stove to try to heat the home, it can release toxic fumes and pose a fire hazard.
- Do not use charcoal in any device that will heat the interior of a home- they release lethal toxins that humans can't see or smell.
- Have at least 2 smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm installed in the house. Check the batteries once a year and test the alarms every month.
Other Home Security Measures
Be sure to get rid of any old or damaged heating sources. They become hazardous when they stop functioning properly. Wood stoves cause almost 10,000 fires each year. To avoid becoming a part of these statistics, ensure that the stove is made of cast iron or plate steel. Make sure that there are no cracks in it and that the legs and doors are attached properly.
Only use seasoned wood— don't use green wood or artificial logs, and especially not trash! Inspect and clean the stove every year. Make sure that there is a 3-foot radius cleared around the stove and that there are no combustible materials nearby. Electric heating devices should be unplugged when not in use. It's very important to use those with a tip switch.
Kerosene Heaters
Before using a kerosene heater, contact the fire department to see that it is permitted for use in your home. They should only be used in well-ventilated areas, and never filled with gasoline or camp oil. Only use UL-approved kerosene heaters that call for crystal clear K-1 kerosene.
Fireplace
If using a fireplace, be sure that it has been checked and cleaned, noting any cracks. The cracks are sometimes responsible for chimney and roof fires. Open the damper, never burn trash, greenwood, or paper. There should also be a screen or glass doors in front of the fireplace. This prevents debris and burning particles from leaving the fireplace. ALWAYS extinguish the fire before going to bed.
Generators
Generators should only be used outside, in an open and dry area, not close to the house. Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords, or plug appliances directly into the generator. Do not ever plug the generator into a wall outlet! This is extremely dangerous.
To sum it up, many alternative solutions can be used for heating during the winter, without the need to rely on stable electricity supply. It's just important to be careful with them. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and do your best to avoid house lockout situations, which can be a great danger to your property when a fireplace or a kerosene heater is used.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
91437 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
72495 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
70969 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51075 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29934 Views
Latest Articles
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
The Value of Timber Skids
Timber skids are a specific type of construction mat. These mats are used to provide temporary ground cover, giving workers a solid platform for...
Top Tips for Preparing Your Kitchen for a Sale
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house yet it is often overlooked while living in the house. Not many people come over to visit...
Kelly Clarksons 7 Must-Have Home Essentials
Whether you have recently moved into a new home or need ways to refresh your home, one thing is sure; home essentials are always a good starting...
Bring Your Home to Life with Intelligent LED Lighting
LED technology has become a hot property in the consumer lighting market and anyone can jump on the bandwagon to see what the fuss is all about....
3 Staircases to Add Style and Flair to Your Home
A beautiful home is beautified further by internal décor. Several small decisions, like a painter’s strokes, encapsulate and finally originate a...