2015 News

Heating Safety

Heating Safety
10.01.2015

With the cold months quickly approaching, it is important that we take a look at  how we heat our homes and workplaces, and the hazards that come along.  In 2011, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,600 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 400 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $893 million in direct property damage.
Facts & figures NFPA.orgBased on 2007-2011 annual averages:

  • Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (33%) of home heating fires and four out of five (81%) of home heating fire deaths.
  • The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) was failure to clean, mainly creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
  • Placing things that can burn too close to heating equipment or placing heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, was the leading factor contributing to ignition in fatal home heating fires and accounted for more than half (53%) of home heating fire deaths.
  • Half (50%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February. 

Heating Checklist:

  1. When using space heaters, plug them directly into an outlet, not an extension cord.
  2. Keep space heaters 3 ft. away from anything that can burn.
  3. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  4. Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
  5. Make sure your furnace has been inspected and serviced by a professional during the past 12 months.
  6. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and make sure they are working correctly.

About Baker Group

Founded in 1963, Baker Group is the Midwest’s premier full-service specialty contractor providing services to clients from offices in Des Moines, Davenport and North Liberty, Iowa. With nearly 600 employees, Baker Group provides: mechanical, sheet metal, electrical, building automation, process automation, security systems, fire alarm systems, parking/revenue controls and service of everything they install. By providing these services in house, greater efficiencies are achieved and better coordination is provided. With everything Baker Group does, you can always Expect the Best.

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