How to keep your home warm and safe while using various heating methods in the winter

Weather of Arabia - With temperatures dropping, families are looking for ways to generate heat and heat parts of the house using home heaters and greenhouses, which are good sources of heating, but they may be very dangerous, so families must be very careful with all heating devices, as heating equipment is A major cause of suffocation, house fires, and resulting deaths. Most of these fires occur in the winter season, and common household mistakes contribute to the majority of these fires. Here are some measures that can be taken for safety and for the safe use of heating equipment:

Gas and kerosene heaters

1. Set up a child-free area around open fires and fireplaces.
2. Place the heater in a safe place and away from narrow corridors, so that it is not prone to falling when children play or pass by it.
3. Check the gas heaters and make sure there are no bends or cracks in the hose connecting the cylinder and the heater, and replace the “leakage seal” with each new cylinder.
4. Lighting kerosene heaters outside the house and not bringing them into the house until the smell and smoke accompanying the ignition are gone. And to turn off these heaters outside the rooms in a well-ventilated place.
5. Not supplying fuel to the kerosene heater while it is burning.
6. Do not use the heater to heat water and cook, as this exposes those around it to the risk of burns.
7. Taking into account that the fireplaces are far from the furniture the appropriate distance.
8. Store petroleum products in a safe place away from sources of ignition.
9. Ensure that all heating devices are turned off in the house before leaving the house and before going to bed.
10. Ensure that the room or house is ventilated to avoid the risk of suffocation and carbon monoxide poisoning. Where the percentage of carbon monoxide ( CO ) rises as a result of burning any type of fuel, especially when using gas, kerosene and firewood heaters, and carbon monoxide gas is called the silent killer, because it has no color or smell, and inhaling it leads to several symptoms, the most important of which is a feeling of headache, dizziness, and stomach pain, as carbon monoxide gas enters the bloodstream when inhaled.

Electric heaters

1. Do not overload extension cords and electrical outlets.
2. Replace extension cords and heater cords if they are old and frayed.
3. Taking into account that the fireplaces are far from the furniture the appropriate distance.
4. Do not run any electrical wires over or near the heater, and do not place electrical wires under the carpet.
5. Do not use the heater to dry clothes, as this may lead to a house fire.

Wood fireplaces

For users of a wood-burning stove, it is essential to use a solid screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room, and the ashes should be placed in metal containers where they will be cooled and removed from the house.

Central heating systems

The matter may be different with central heating systems as a relatively safe means, but they can pose many risks such as malfunctions, overheating, or not being used properly. All these risks can be prevented through regular maintenance and system monitoring.

It is important that the heating system (boilers) be checked and cleaned annually by a professional, as regular checks on the heating system show warning signs, current problems or potential failure.

Homeowners using fuel-fired heating systems should always check that the correct fuel source is being used, as using the wrong fuel source can cause explosions and other consequences Heat sources or other connections must also be monitored, and flues must be properly cared for as they can cause problems at home.

Remember, have a professional technician install stationary heating equipment, water heaters, or district heating equipment in accordance with local codes and the manufacturer's instructions.

Fire alarms

Smoke alarms are one of the important ways to protect the house from fires, so they should be taken care of and always checked to make sure they work, as they are often the first to alert you in the event of a fire or explosion, and then you will have enough time to get out safely, and it is also good to have Have an escape plan as soon as the alarm sounds, or plan what to do then.