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Wood Stove & Portable Heater Safety
Woodburners are popular for looks as well as heat and portable electric heaters offer an often convenient way to heat a small space that may have infrequent use. Unfortunately they are the cause of many fires. Here are some tips on how you can keep warm and keep safe.
· Check with your local fire department and make certain that your woodburner meets the fire code. Adding a woodburner to your home? Save headaches and possible costly error, obtain the specifications first.
· Never use flammable liquids to start a fire in a wood stove.
Keep your stove clean. Use a metal scoop or shovel to remove ashes and store them in a metal fireproof container prior to disposing them. Have your flue or chimney cleaned periodically. This may need to be done more often if you use your stove frequently.
· Portable electric heaters get very hot, keep all protective grills and grates in place.
· Do not leave cords or the heater where it can be tripped on or tipped over.
· Avoid using an extension cord if at all possible.
· Keep heater away from all flammable materials and liquids.
· Make certain the cord and plug are in good repair and that the heater is commercially approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other reputable testing facility.
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