Page 9 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Fall 2022

EXPLORE | AT HOME FALL EDITION 2022
Tips for Heating Your Home Safely
The change of seasons brings cooler temperatures. Whether you enjoy cozying up in front of a crackling fire or adding warmth with a portable space heater, winter can be a risky time for fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating is the second leading cause of house fires with half of home heating fires reported between December through February.
With the winter season just around the corner, start taking precautions now to help prevent heating disasters with these few safety tips.
Designate a safe space. Keep anything that can burn – such as paper, bedding or furniture – at least three feet from heating sources, like an open fireplace, furnace, space heater or wood stove. Make the area a “pet- and kid-free zone.” Educate your child that fireplaces and other areas where there is heating equipment are not appropriate play areas. Have a good system to keep your child’s toys – and pet toys – away from the area, as well.
Inspect your equipment. Check your portable electric heaters for any cracked, damaged or broken plugs or connections, and replace them before using them. For a fireplace, make sure you have a glass or metal screen to stop sparks or
embers from flying into the room. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional each year.
Never leave heating equipment or fires unattended. Whenever you leave the room or when you go to bed, check to make sure your portable space heater or electric fireplace is turned off and any open fires are out.
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Make sure you have the proper safety detectors. Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and that the batteries are working. Also, keep a fire extinguisher for any potential fire hazards, such as in the kitchen by the stove and near the fireplace.
Talk to your insurance agent to discuss fire prevention and to make sure you have the right coverage in the event of a house fire. Some fireplaces may be considered an added risk, so it’s a good idea to talk to your agent in case you need to adjust your policy.
Contact your local AAA Insurance Agent at 800-222-1469 or go to AAA.com/Insurance.
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Insurance provided by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer.