Home fires caused by heating equipment escalate considerably in January, making the first month of the year the most dangerous in terms of house fires and serious burn injuries caused by home heating elements, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA).
While hidden defects in home heating equipment can cause harm, so can using equipment that is not installed or maintained properly. The USFA recommends that New York families take several steps to reduce the risk of fire and burn injuries during the chilly winter months.
First, make sure all equipment is in good working order. According to the USFA, 87 percent of home fires are caused by problems with chimneys, flues, fireplaces, or wood stoves. Most of these fires, says the USFA, occur when equipment isn’t installed or cleaned properly. Call a professional chimney-cleaning company, and make sure your fireplace or wood stove is installed properly. Never leave any heating equipment unattended.
Next, check your smoke detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your house and in every bedroom. Test them regularly, and change their batteries at least twice a year. Since defective space heaters and other equipment can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, install a carbon monoxide detector to warn your family about a buildup of this colorless, odorless gas.
The experienced New York burn injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP are dedicated to helping each of our clients secure the compensation they deserve when a defective home heating product or another person’s or company’s negligence causes serious harm. Contact us today to learn more.