In the US, heating sources are one of the leading causes of residential fires, and with colder weather on the way, many Madison residents will be turning on heating systems that have not been used since Spring.

Most fires involving furnaces take place at night when people are asleep. As such the most important step in home heating safety is to make sure your smoke alarms are in working condition. Wisconsin state law requires a smoke alarm on each floor level, and one should also be installed in the area adjacent to your furnace.

The next most important step in home heating safety is to make sure that your furnace is operating properly and safely, and furnace flues, pipes, and chimneys should be inspected as well. Madison Gas and Electric, Alliant Energy, or a heating contractor should be contacted if you have questions or problems regarding the heating unit in your home. In homes with gas furnaces, carbon monoxide detectors are strongly recommended.

Finally, filters should be changed at the beginning of the heating season and then checked monthly to make sure there is adequate air flow.

Additional information on heating safety is available from The Dane County Clean Air Coalition.

The Coalition offers information on how to reduce fine particles and other emissions that pollute the air. By learning how to burn wisely, residents who use wood stoves or fireplaces for heat can reduce their emissions from wood burning to protect their homes, their health and the air we all breathe, while reducing heating costs and staying comfortable this winter. For more information visit www.healthyairdane.org

For more useful home safety tips, check out Madison Fire's Home & Property tips.

• Keep Your Pipes Warm:
  
  • Eliminate drafts. Check around the home for areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas and take measures to prevent the flow of cold air in these areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if water is not running through the pipe, and the water temperature becomes cold. Repair broken windows, check doors and insulate areas that allow cold exterior air to enter.
  • Insulate your pipes. If insulation will not provide enough protection for your plumbing system, you can wrap the pipes with heat tape, or heat cables. These products plug into an electrical outlet and generate warmth to prevent the pipes from freezing. It is important that you purchase products that are approved by an independent testing organization like the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Selecting unapproved products or improperly installing an approved product can lead to fires. Be sure to regularly inspect the tape or cable for wear and replace if necessary.
• If you have to leave your home unattended for several days, keep the thermostat set at 55 degrees or higher, and have a friend check your house to make sure it is warm enough to keep your pipes from freezing. You can also shut off and drain your entire water system if you will be away for a substantial length of time. Consider having the water shut off at the street, the water meter removed and the plumbing drained and winterized
  
• Be aware of homes in your neighborhood that might be vacant and the plumbing unprotected for the winter season. Contact the Water Utility if you suspect a problem.
  
• If you believe your pipes have frozen, turn off the water at the main valve to your home and call a plumber. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. You can use a hair dryer or portable heater, but always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
• Outside Faucets: Make sure the water line to outside faucets is turned off, the hoses disconnected, and the line is drained.