(NAPSA)—Heating equipment is the second-leading cause of homefires eo “a in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipmenteach year. Following these Dos and Don'ts, however, can help protect your home and family: Do have a qualified service professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to code and manufacturer’s instructions and then have the system inspected annually. Don't use your stove to heat your homeor dry your clothes. Doinstall and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly. Don't plug a space heater into an extension cord. Doplugit directly into an electric outlet. Don't leave any heating appliance unattended. Do turn heaters off when you leave the room orgo tosleep. Don’t usea space heateror any appliance with a damaged cord. Doplace anyheaterat least three feet away from anything flammable. Don't use old, worn heating pads or electric blankets with frayed cords. ‘These cause almost 500 fires a year, almost all of them involving electric blankets that are more than 10 years old. Do place heaters on level, flat surfaces on the floor, not on tables, shelves or chairs. Don't use both a heating pad— placed directly on the mattress—and an electric blanket at the sametime. Do keep heating pads and electric blankets uncovered when in use. When covered by anything, including other a — IT “FG. eX te a oe @ Space heaters can provide supplemental heat for chilly rooms but they’re also a leading causeoffires, so propercareis vital. blankets or pets, electric blankets may overheat. Don't fold electric blankets when in use. Folded or tucked-in blankets could overheat and causea fire. Do keep a three-foot “kid-free zone” around openfires and space heaters. Don't use the wrong kind offuel for fuel-burning space heaters. Do make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Don't be in too much of a hurry to shovel out the ashes. Let them cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. Learn More For further facts and tips onsafety, from the experts at Electrical Safety Foundation International, the premier nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace, visit www. esf..org.
