Our hearts go out the Des Plaines Community and the family who lost their loved ones to a fire on January 27th. The Des Plaines Fire Department is investigating a space heater as the cause of the deadly fire that claimed the lives of five residents. To avoid another tragedy, we would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of  the following safety tips when using space heaters. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to winter heating safety:

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional; change furnace filters frequently.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers’ instructions.
• Keep interior and exterior air vents clear of blockages or obstructions.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before being placed into a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Test smoke and CO alarms at least once a month and be familiar with the sounds they make.
• Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
• Remember to turn off portable or space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each floor of your home and within 15 feet of each sleeping area. 
• CO detectors have a limited life span, check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on replacement.