Gloucester Fire Department
Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Gloucester Fire Department Shares Home Heating Safety Tips

GLOUCESTER — As the temperature begins to drop this fall, Chief Eric L. Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department wish to share home heating safety tips with residents.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, home heating is the second leading cause of home fires in Massachusetts.

“Unfortunately, this time of year, heating systems pose a serious risk, and we want everyone to take care to make sure they take steps to remain safe this fall and winter,” Chief Smith said. “With Daylight Saving having just ended this weekend, we encourage residents to double check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and review recommended home heating safety tips.”

The Gloucester Fire Department wishes to share the following winter home heating safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

• Install and test regularly smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
• Do not use a stove, oven or grill for heat.
• On an annual basis, furnaces and chimneys should checked by a professional.
• Make sure to keep appliance vents and exhaust pipes clear of drifting snow and bushes.
• Practice home fire drills and establish an escape plan with everyone in your household.
• Practice fire safety and teach children to do the same.
• If using a fireplace or a solid fuel stove:
  • Have the chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis.
  • Check that your stove is approved by a national testing agency.
  • Obtain a building permit prior to installing a stove. 
  • Make sure anything capable of burning is three feet away from the stove.
  • Put any ashes in a metal container when disposing of them, and store them away from the house.
• If you use a space heater:
  • Space heaters should not be used as a primary heating system.
  • Make sure anything capable of burning is kept at least three feet away from the space heater.
  • Never leave a space heater on before falling asleep or going out.
  • It is illegal to use portable kerosene heaters in Massachusetts for the home.
• When using natural gas to cook and/or heat a home, make sure to maintain that system:
  • On an annual basis, have the furnace and hot water heater professionally checked.
  • Never use or store gasoline or painting equipment indoors where they could be ignited by the pilot light.
  • If you smell something similar to rotten eggs or believe there may be a gas leak, evacuate, do not smoke or turn off electrical switches and call 911. 
• In order to maintain oil heating systems:
  • On an annual basis, have your boiler professionally cleaned and checked.
  • Do not allow the tank to get completely empty.
  • If the oil burner releases smoke or soot indoors, call for service.

For more fire safety tips and recommendations, visit www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.

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