Preventing Burn Injuries Caused by Home Heating Accidents
Winter in the Midwest means cranking up the heat, which is great for keeping warm but also brings some serious hidden dangers. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes behind home fires in the United States. With that in mind, the Kansas burn injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group are here with the tips you need on preventing home heating accidents.
Common Issues with Space Heaters
Space heaters are super convenient, but they’re also one of the most common causes of home heating-related accidents.
Follow the Three-Foot Rule
When you’ve got space heaters, keep anything flammable at least three feet away from them, which includes:
- Bedding
- Curtains
- Upholstered furniture
- Paper and mail
- Rugs
It takes just seconds for any of these things to catch fire, so you want to be extra careful.
Things You Should Never Do with Space Heaters
There are a few things you should never do when it comes to space heaters:
- Never leave one unattended
- Never use one while you’re sleeping
- Never use one in a kid’s bedroom
- Never use a portable heater in a place without ventilation
- Never place them in high-traffic hallways where they can get knocked over or bumped into
These simple rules can help lower your risk of getting burned in a home heating accident.
Maintenance: The Key to Avoiding Home Heating Accidents
Heating systems don’t just fail out of the blue. Most problems gradually build over time and can be prevented with active maintenance.
Get Your Furnace Inspected
Before the weather really starts to get cold, get your furnace or HVAC system checked out by a pro. A technician can identify potential issues like:
- Cracked heat exchangers
- Gas leaks
- Electrical issues that could cause a fire or electrocution
- Ventilation blockages that can cause all sorts of problems
Skipping this check-up increases the risk of both fires and carbon monoxide exposure in the winter.
Being Prepared for Emergencies
Even with all these precautions, emergencies can still happen. But with some planning, you can minimize the damage.
Get Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas furnaces, fireplaces, and heaters all produce carbon monoxide—a silent killer that can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Install CO detectors on every level of your house as well as near any bedrooms, and make sure to test them regularly.
Check Your Smoke Alarms
- Test your smoke alarms every month
- Change the batteries at least once a year
- Replace the whole unit every 10 years
A working smoke alarm can cut the risk of death in a home fire almost in half.
Draw Up a Fire Escape Plan
Every household should have a solid plan in place in case of an emergency:
- Know two ways out of every room
- Designate an outdoor meeting spot
- Practice the escape plan at least once a year
You never know when you might need to make a quick exit, which is why having a plan is so important.
Here to Help after Home Heating Accidents
Here at Patterson Legal Group, our Kansas personal injury lawyers are here to give you the information you need on home heating accidents. We’re also here for you if you’re dealing with the claims process after such an accident. Our dedicated team of litigators and trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing compensation for those in Kansas, as well as in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. We will fight for you every step of the way.
Get started today with a free consultation by calling us at 888-687-2400 or going online through our secure contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “No Win, No Fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today and take the first step toward getting the money you deserve.
