STOW -- With crisp autumn temperatures settling in across Massachusetts, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding residents that home heating equipment is the leading source of carbon monoxide and the second-leading cause of residential fires.
"Having your heating system serviced each year will help reduce the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide incident that puts you and your loved ones in danger," Davine said. "It will also save you money by helping you heat your home more efficiently."
Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 6,000 fires related to home heating equipment in the past five years. These fires claimed eight lives, caused 139 injuries to residents and firefighters, and contributed to more than $42 million in property losses. Fires that began with solid fuel heating equipment such as fireplaces, wood stoves, and their chimneys represent about half the total, while gas, oil, and electric appliances made up the other half.
Carbon monoxide is a hazard all year long, but especially in the winter as heating equipment returns to regular use. Firefighters encountered carbon monoxide hazards at more than 24,000 calls over the past five years, most of which took place in the colder months, according to Davine's office.
With that in mind, Davine offered the following tips to protect yourself and loved ones:
* Every household should have working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed on every level of the home. Test them every month to be sure they're working properly and replace alkaline batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years and CO alarms should be replaced after 5, 7, or 10 years depending on the make and model.
* Solid fuel heating appliances such as fireplaces and wood stoves have accounted for a rising share of home heating fires in recent years.
Most chimney fires occur because of a build-up of creosote, a tarry byproduct of burning wood: using only dry, seasoned wood and having your chimney and flue professionally inspected and cleaned each year can reduce this risk.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away on all sides, and use a fireplace screen or keep the wood stove door closed to prevent sparks and embers from escaping. When the fire is out, shovel ashes into a metal bucket with a lid and place it outside on the ground away from the building - not in the trash.
* If you have a furnace, water heater, or oil burner with a pilot light, keep a 3-foot "circle of safety" around it, clear of anything that could catch fire.
Don't store gasoline, painting supplies, or other flammable solvents in the home: their vapors can be ignited by a pilot light. These heating systems should also be checked and serviced annually by a licensed professional.
If you smell gas, don't use any electrical switches or devices: get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 right away.
* Keep space heaters at least three feet from curtains, bedding, and anything else that can burn. Plug them directly into a wall socket, not an extension cord or a power strip, and always turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
When purchasing a space heater, select one that's been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL).
Newer space heaters should have an automatic shut-off switch that turns the device off if it tips over. Never use portable propane or kerosene heaters indoors - fire and CO hazards are simply too high.
Residents struggling to pay for heating bills or maintenance may be eligible for assistance through the Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP).
No matter what type of heating equipment used, LIHEAP may be able to help pay winter heating bills or maintain heating systems so they run more safely and efficiently.
All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.
The Department of Fire Services offers a wealth of home heating safety information, including the "Keep Warm, Keep Safe" tool kit for local fire departments, caregivers, and service providers, at mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.