Heating equipment a leading cause of home fires.

In the winter months, the majority of home fires are caused by heating equipment.

Just today an apartment fire near my office was started by combustibles (generic term that could be any number of things – I suspect clothes) placed too close to a baseboard heater. You can read about this incident on the Seattle Fire Department website here.  The fire department and Red Cross should be commended  for the help and assistance provided on this fire.

 

Here is a checklist for baseboard heater safety:

1. Check baseboard heaters often and remove objects that have fallen on top or near the heater.

2. Keep all furniture a safe distance from your heaters. Never block the flow of heat.

3. Never permit electrical cords to drape across heaters.

4. Always hire an experienced electrician to do any needed repair work on your baseboard heaters.