Economize On Heat, but Safely

While alternative heating methods may save you a few dollars be sure the savings don't translate into a fire in your home. Heating fires are the second-leading cause of home fires after cooking and one of the two leading causes of home fire deaths in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

To guard against the injuries and property damage that occur every year from alternative heating, a few simple safety precautions should be followed:

• When purchasing a space heater make sure it is UL Listed. If a product is UL Listed it means UL has tested samples of the product for risk of fire, electric shock and other hazards.
• Space heaters should never be used as a primary source of heat. When using a space heater as a supplementary device make sure it is at least 3 feet away from any household combustibles such as curtains, decorations, newspapers and flammable liquids.
• Most importantly, the best defense is a good offense. Install smoke alarms to warn of a fire and have carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home to warn about a faulty furnace, fireplace or other venting problems.

To learn more about the potential dangers of CO visit Protecting Your Family From the Silent Killer.

While heating a home can be costly, by following UL's simple energy-saving tips, you can reduce your monthly utility bills while still keeping your family safe.