Wood Burning Stoves – Tips for Staying Warm and Safe

Winter is here. Heating season is upon us. Wood burning devices cause thousands of fires each year. If you have a wood burning stove or are thinking of getting one to reduce your heating bills, here are some tips to keep you safe and warm this winter.

• Any wood burning stove or furnace should be factory made and tested by a recognized testing organization (U.L. , ITS, Applied Research Labs, etc.)
• Unless the stove label allows for any other clearance, radiant stoves (one metal wall around the fire) should have at least 36” of clearance to any combustible wall. Any circulating stove (two metal walls separated by circulating air space) should have at least 18” of clearance to any combustible wall. The charging area or door side must always have at least 36” of space.
• Unless the floor below the stove is concrete or mortared masonry, the floor needs to be protected by sheet metal or UL listed stove board.
• Stove pipes between the stove and the chimney need to have at least 18” of clearance to any combustible wall.
• Any time the stove pipe passes through a combustible wall, floor or ceiling there must be either 18″ of clearance to any combustible material by use of a noncombustible thimble or a UL listed pass through device must be in place.
• The chimney should be in good condition and either be a masonry chimney with a flue tile or stainless steel liner or be a UL listed metal chimney designed for wood burning.
• The chimney should extend at least 3 feet above the point where it passes through the roof and at least 2 feet higher than any portion of the roof within 10 feet of it.
• Any chimney requires regular inspection and cleaning. This cleaning should take place as often as necessary but no less frequently than 2 times per year.

 Stay warm and have a great winter!

Checklist of Tasks to Prepare Your Home for “Old Man Winter”

•  Turn off water to hoses and lawn sprinklers. When temperatures fall below freezing water in the pipes freeze and pipes burst. Turn off water from the indoor supply valve and drain all residual water out of faucet and systems.
• Cover your room air conditioner or take it down and store it. Cover outdoor central air conditioner unit to protect from winter weather and debris.
• Clean out gutters – clogged gutters can lead to ice dams which can create leaks along the roof edge.
• Move piles of leaves, compost and wood away from house or other structures. Wood attracts termites which may migrate into your home, and rodents and small animals like to nest in leaves and debris.
• Check windows and doors for air leaks. Leaks can be sealed with caulking, expanding foam, foam board, or weather stripping.
• Have furnace checked and serviced. Remember to change furnace filters monthly.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned. If you have a wood stove make sure to move all combustibles away from the appliance and make sure floor protection extends at least 18″ on all sides of the appliance.
• Check smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Prepare for power outages with flashlights and fresh batteries as well as non-perishable food staples.
• Keep cell phones charged but also have a corded phone in the event cell towers experience outages.
• If you have a generator, test it. If you are considering purchasing a generator, make sure it is properly installed.
• Have snow shovels, sand and ice melt handy.
• Test your snow blower.

Halloween Safety Tips

It’s my favorite time of year again.  Fall is a beautiful season with all the gorgeous colors melding together.  And of course, it’s Halloween time.  Are you ready for all the fun and excitement?!  Well, here are a few tips to keep your little ones safe on that big night when ghouls and goblins will be out in full force!

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.  Make sure footwear fits well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement.
• Make sure masks do not limit eyesight. Consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
• Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and bags.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within costume or on a bracelet.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Make a rule that no treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.

Now, get out there and have some fun!  Happy Halloween!!

One last note:  Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?  He didn’t have the guts!!

 

 

 

 

 

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