AS HEATING COSTS RISE, SO DO HOME FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CONCERNS

Lowe's and the Home Safety Council Work Promote Safe Use of Alternative Heat Sources this Winter

As heating oil and gasoline costs continue to rise, American families are looking for alternative solutions to heat their homes for the upcoming winter season. Many are turning to space heaters, fireplaces and wood burning stoves for warmth, which can be effective alternatives, but also present an opportunity for serious home safety dangers. Together, Lowe’s and the nonprofit Home Safety Council are urging families to take critical home heating safety precautions, before winter begins, to protect against home fires and carbon monoxide dangers.

Many families will likely receive much higher home heating bills this winter. In fact, the Energy Information Administration estimates that on average, heating expenditures will increase nearly 33 percent.

“Americans are facing a potentially expensive heating season, and alternative heat sources can be an economical solution helping keep homes warm,” said Patti Price, Lowe’s merchandising vice president, seasonal living, . “Families must take the appropriate precautions and understand how to safely use space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces, to keep loved ones safe and avoid serious injuries.”

The Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in America™ report revealed 67 percent of American households use fuel-burning appliances and equipment, such as gas, wood, or kerosene that can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO). “As more people turn to alternative home heating methods to cope with soaring heating costs, we are concerned about a possible increase in the number of home-related injuries and deaths, “ said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. “Home fires, contact burns and carbon monoxide poisonings are significant dangers associated with the heating season. Families can help reduce their risk of being injured with very simple actions.”

Fire Precautions: Home Heating Safety

Heating equipment, especially portable and space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves, require careful use and proper maintenance. Together, Lowe’s and the Home Safety Council offer the following tips to help families prevent fire- and burn-related injuries this winter.

Portable Space Heaters

• Purchase electric space heaters that bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory, such as UL, ETL, CSA, etc.
• Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, people, pets and window treatments.
• Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.
• Use kerosene heaters only where permitted by law. Use the recommended grade kerosene and never use an alternative fuel. Kerosene heaters must be fueled outside.
• Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Burn only seasoned hardwood - not trash, cardboard boxes, or Christmas trees because these items burn unevenly, may contain toxins, and increase the risk of uncontrolled fires.
• Have a professional chimney sweep inspect chimneys annually for cracks, blockages and leaks and have them cleaned and repaired as needed.
• Keep all persons, pets and flammable objects, including kindling, bedding, clothing, at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Open flues before fireplaces are used.
• Use sturdy screens or doors to keep embers inside fireplaces.
• Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside or near sleeping areas.
• Keep young children away from working wood stoves and heaters to avoid contact burn injuries.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Precautions:

Carbon monoxide is commonly known as “the silent killer.” Because it is colorless odorless, and tasteless, none of your senses can detect it. CO claims the lives of nearly 300 people in their homes each year according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CO is a potentially deadly gas that is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters. Follow these guidelines to help keep your family safer.

• Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home’s central heating system and repair leaks or other problems; fireplaces and woodstoves should also be inspected each year and cleaned or repaired as needed.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.
• Portable electric generators must be used outside only. Never use them indoors, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow CO to collect. Follow usage directions closely.

For more information on home heating alternatives and ways to stay safe in and around your home, please visit www.homesafetycouncil.org or www.lowes.com/energy.

About the Home Safety Council

The Home Safety Council (HSC) is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. Through national programs, partnerships and the support of volunteers, HSC educates people of all ages to be safer in and around their homes. The Home Safety Council is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in Washington, DC.

About Lowe’s

With fiscal year 2004 sales of $36.5 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 11 million customers a week at more than 1,150 home improvement stores in 49 states. Based in Mooresville, N.C., the 59-year old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.