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Prevent Fire Damage in the Living Room - part 1

By Jonathan Meyer
Published: December 23, 2005

There are many causes of fire damage in the living room, many of which are easy to prevent if given enough attention.

To keep your living room hazards free, follow the basic safety rules:

• Keep adequate clearance around heaters.
• Do not overload extension cords and outlets.
• Be aware to the hazards of burning cigarettes and candles.

Upholstered Furniture

Check the label to see when your upholstered furniture was manufactured. If it was manufactured before 1988, it is not fire-resistant and can catch fire and release poisonous smoke.

By law, modern upholstered furniture must be resistant to ignition from burning cigarettes and matches and therefore are safer. Be careful even with modern furniture.

Heating and Heaters

You should sit at least 3 feet from a heater. By sitting closer, you could easily set your clothing or your chair on fire, especially if you fall asleep.

Do not use flammable adhesives, cleaning fluids or aerosol sprays near a heater. Keep aerosols away from any heat source.

Open Fires:

When heating the living room with open fire such as a fire places, fuel and embers may fall out of the heating source and ignite combustibles items nearby.

Make sure there is enough air to allow fuel to burn properly and burn only suitable materials. Do not use flammable liquids to light fires. Use a metal or glass fireplace screen whenever you use open fire heaters.

Have the chimney checked at least once a year and clean any build-up of soot regularly.

Portable Heaters:

Most fires caused by portable heaters start when the heater is placed too close to furniture or other combustible materials.

Keep a 3 foot clearance around heaters to assure nothing will catch fire. Never place a heater too close to furniture, curtains and cushions and be sure to place it where it will not be bumped or tripped over. Affixing a heater to the wall or floor will provide additional safety.

Turn off and allow enough cooling time before moving a portable heater.

Smart Tips for Fire Damage Prevention in the Living Room:

• Keep at least 3 feet from a heater.
• Use a fireplace screen.
• Check and clean the chimney at least once a year.
• Never place a heater too close to furniture, curtains and cushions.

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