Rising Heating Emergencies: Why Your Maine Home Could Be at Risk

When's the last time you cleaned your wood stove or fireplace? 

A situation can become very dangerous very quickly with heating related emergencies if you don't, according to News Center Maine. 

The colder seasons bring in an increase in emergency calls.  

And now that Maine’s temperatures are continuing to drop and drop fast, there’s has been a rise on heated related emergencies on the rise.

Maine officials are urging homeowners to take caution and action before it’s too late.  

Prevent a Winter Disaster: Check Your Heating Systems

Here’s the tea, because it’s cold as hell, your furnaces and wood stoves are working overtime and running long hours. Not to mention the space heaters that sit in the corners can turn into a nightmare if they are left without maintenance.

These are all things you can do. Because even the smallest oversight, could lead to serious consequences.  

Brewer Fire Chief, Erik Tourtillotte is weighing in saying,

“The colder season brings an uptick and these sorts of calls, usually it’s the inattention or products not being operated or used properly—whether it’s a heating device for heat or even cooking.” NewsCenterMaine

As per the article, last week was busy for fire investigators with at least four fires just last week. Tragically, one woman passed away in Windsor after a fire broke out in a her home.

The investigators say she was having furnace issues and was using electric heaters for warmth.  

The Chief goes on to says, “Making sure your equipment is ready and functioning properly is your first line of defense this winter,”

Stopping it before it happens is key and you can do that simply.

Read More: Off-Duty Maine Firefighter Rescues Woman from Burning Home

Check your cords, keep your space heaters away from anything that is flammable, and have your equipment serviced can make a huge difference. 

So, as our state hunkers down for the cold months ahead, make sure you are taking the few minutes to check your systems and prevent fires in your home.