CPRMom

I don't get a chance to watch the news on TV every day, but I caught a bit this morning which I thought would be a good story to share.  There have been 2 fires in 2 days here in New Hampshire, both possibly caused by woodstoves.  (see 2 fires in 2 days brings woodstove warnings .) Have you had your heating system inspected or cleaned?  It doesn't matter if you heat with wood, oil, propane or natural gas.  You should have your heating system cleaned, serviced or inspected annually.  Have your chimney checked around the same time.  It's not just the furnace or stove that need to be checked; when heating with wood products you can have a buildup of creosote in your chimney flue. Hazards you want to be careful of include: A buildup of creosote can get too hot or be ignited by embers causing a chimney fire.   Improper installation of a stovepipe can cause a fire to walls and ceilings Make sure your heating appliance is properly vented to the o...

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless cause that is a byproduct of burning fuel. That fuel can be propane, gas, gasoline, wood or kerosene. Many of us have appliances or heat sources that burn this fuel, but because they are installed they are properly vented to the outside so as to not fill our homes with this deadly gas. Sadly every so often I see a story of someone who died from carbon monoxide. It is a tragedy that could have been avoided. There were two stories in the news this past week, 2 people lost their lives in a fire caused by using a propane heater indoors and 1 family was saved because one family member recognized their symptoms as possible carbon monoxide poisoning and contacted their fire department. During power outages DO NOT use an outdoor appliance in your home to generate power or heat. Generators, grills (gas and charcoal) and propane heaters are not meant to be used indoors. After storms or heavy snowfall make sure the area around your appliance vents...