7 Ways To Have A Safe Heating Season

Heating season is here! And often, during the heating season, our customers use space heaters and fireplaces to supplement their heat. Please use these secondary heat sources safely and wisely by following the tips below.

Remember, if you are using a space heater or a fireplace because your tank is out of heating oil, please use this form to order your fuel right away! And, if you have a “no heat” issue, or another type of emergency situation, please call us immediately at 717-564-8237.

1. Check cords on all electrical equipment for cracks and damage.

2. Space heaters need space. Portable heaters need a three-foot clearance from anything that can burn and should always be turned off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

3. When turning a heating device off, be careful to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When buying heaters, look for models with automatic shutoff features.

4. If your home has a fireplace with glass doors, leave them open when burning firewood to allow proper draught and cleaner burning. Extinguish a fire completely before going to bed.

5. Purchase a fire extinguisher and keep it in an easy-to-grab location. An extinguisher labeled “ABC” can be used to fight all three types of fires – ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical.

6. Replace expired fire extinguishers. Check the expiration date; if there is none, check whether the pressure gauge needle is in the green area – if not, discard the fire extinguisher at a household hazardous waste site. Used fire extinguishers should always be discarded.

7. Test or replace batteries on both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and perform any manufacturer-recommended maintenance according to manufacturer directions. NOTE: Sunday, November 2, the day we turn the clocks back one hour, is an ideal time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

At Best Price Oil, your safety is always our main concern. In addition, our sister company, SOC Energy/Service Oil Co., installs and provides services for a variety of auxiliary propane-fired heating appliances, including garage heaters, space heaters, gas heaters, and gas logs, to help keep you warm this fall and winter – and they will instruct you on how to safely use them. Call them at 717-564-1657 or contact them for information.