Loss Prevention Tips
Wood Burning Fireplace Maintenance
Every year thousands of people safely heat their homes with wood. Unfortunately, some homes are lost to fires caused by poor operation and maintenance of home heating equipment. Although wood heat is an economical and renewable heat source, poor wood‐burning practices can cause dangerous and devastating home and chimney fires. Since 2007, MAX has paid over $2.2 million in claims e to fire losses. This is a deep concern for MAX. Not only do we want to prevent these losses from occurring to control our members’ costs, but most importantly, we want our members’ lives protected from such dangerous losses.
Space Heater Safety Tips
As temperatures drop during the winter months, many MAX members turn to alternative heat sources, such as space heaters, to help warm their homes. Unfortunately, many households are unaware that the risk of fire from space heaters is 3 to 4 times higher than from central heating equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), space heaters accounted for one‐third (32%) of home heating fires and four out of five (79%) of home heating fire deaths from 2005‐2009.
Wood Burning Stove Maintenance and Safety
For your wood stove to operate safely and efficiently, the entire solid fuel
heating system must be properly maintained. The stove, chimney connectors
and joints, chimney flue and chimney must be clean and in good working
order.
