What Are the Most Common Spring Break Injuries in Alaska?

Slip-and-fall injuries, burns from heating devices, sledding accidents, and snowmachine-related injuries are among the most common.

At What Age Can a Child Spend Spring Break At Home Alone in Alaska?

Alaska does not set a specific legal minimum age. Parents must evaluate maturity, safety awareness, and emergency preparedness before leaving a child unsupervised.

How Can Parents Quickly Improve Spring Break At Home Safety?

Parents can quickly improve spring break safety at home by focusing on a few high-impact steps. First, clear ice and wet snow from driveways, walkways, and decks to reduce slip-and-fall risks. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and keep children at least three feet away from wood stoves, pellet stoves, and space heaters. Lock up medications, cleaning supplies, and fuels, especially if you’re spring cleaning. In particular, set clear rules about helmet use for bikes, sleds, and snowmachines, and review basic safety habits like not opening the door to strangers and knowing how to call 911. Small actions taken early in the week can significantly reduce preventable injuries and keep spring break safe and stress-free.

Heating and Fire Safety

Cold spring temperatures often mean continued use of pellet stoves, wood stoves, or space heaters. Alaska homes often rely on supplemental heating sources, increasing burn and fire risks if safeguards are not in place.

Protect Your Home:

• Keep children at least 3 feet from stoves and heaters.
• Install protective screens around fireplaces or pellet stoves.
• Test smoke alarms weekly.
• Create and practice a fire escape plan.
• Store matches and lighters out of reach.

Poisoning and Household Hazards

Spring cleaning during the break can expose children to cleaning agents and chemicals.

Reduce Risks:

• Lock up medications and cleaning supplies.
• Store fuel, antifreeze, and snowmachine fluids securely.
• Never leave buckets of water unattended.
• Keep laundry pods away from younger children.

If a child is exposed to a potentially toxic substance, contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Online and “Home Alone” Safety

Some school-age children may stay home for short periods during spring break.

Teach Smart Habits:

• Do not open the door for strangers.
• Keep doors locked at all times.
• Know how to call 911.
• Avoid posting real-time location updates online.
• Limit and supervise screen time.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides helpful resources for online safety education.

Final Thoughts: Spring Break Safety Starts at Home

To summarize, Spring break should be a time for fun and rest – not preventable injuries. However, in Alaska, fluctuating temperatures and lingering winter conditions create unique safety challenges for families. As snow melts and refreezes, and as heating devices remain in use, everyday activities can carry added risks. By preparing your home, maintaining close supervision, and setting clear safety rules, you can minimize those hazards and help ensure your school-age children stay safe all week long.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image created using ChatGPT – Prompt: School-age children enjoying spring break activities at home in Alaska

Heating Oil

Heating a home with oil is common in many Alaskan homes. There is normally a tank outside of the home or in the basement filled with heating oil regularly. The oil pumps into a chamber where the oil is heats in a circulator or heat exchanger. The heat from the chamber becomes in contact with air or water. The water or air distributes through the house by pipes to baseboards, radiator, or through ducts in the house. Increase home heating safety with regular heating oil tank, fuel lines, and furnace inspections at least once a year – especially before winter. In cold places throughout Alaska, systems run constantly, and small leaks or corrosion can quickly become major problems.

Pellet Stoves

These stoves work like wood stoves except they are fueled by pellets. Pellet fuel sources include sawdust, paper, and bark. Pellet stoves burn very hot and clean due to a reduction of smoke and ash. Additionally, pellet stoves require good ventilation and a source of electricity to work properly. However, pellet stoves produce ash and creosote buildup that can block airflow and increase the risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure. In cold climates like Alaska’s – where stoves may run continuously – weekly ash removal and a full vent cleaning at least once a year are essential to home heating safety. Ensure that you practice safe use with pellet stoves as the flames are real and can cause injury.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces or stoves are common heat sources and often used for additional heating and considered a good alternative for home heating safety. The appeal of electric fireplaces is lowered risk because the flame is not real. On the other hand, items around the fireplace can become very hot and even catch fire. Never store items on top of an electric fireplace and keep at least 3 feet of clearance in front of the unit. Always check that proper ventilation allows good heat distribution.  

If you buy a used electric fireplace or stove, ensure that you check the cords for fraying or damage. Do not use units with frayed or damaged cords – these decrease the home heating safety benefit. Plug your electric fireplace directly into a wall outlet – never use an extension cord or power strip. Electric fireplaces draw significant power. Using an extension cord can cause overheating, electrical fires, or tripped breakers—especially during long winter use in places like Alaska.

Home Heating Safety

Home heating safety is especially important throughout Alaska, where long, extreme winters mean heating systems run for months at a time. When equipment operates continuously, the risk of fire, carbon monoxide exposure, and system failure increases. Temperatures can stay below zero for days or even weeks. If a heating system fails, indoor pipes can freeze and burst quickly, causing major property damage and leaving families without shelter during dangerous weather.

Home Heating Safety Benefits

1. Prevents House Fires

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Furnaces, space heaters, wood stoves, and chimneys can ignite nearby materials if they aren’t properly maintained or spaced. Regular inspections and safe use significantly reduce this risk and increase home heating safety.

2. Protects Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Fuel-burning systems (oil, gas, propane, and wood) can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Because CO is impossible to see or smell, it can accumulate unnoticed when furnaces malfunction, vents become blocked, or space heaters are used improperly. As a result, dangerous levels may build up inside the home. Therefore, installing carbon monoxide detectors and scheduling annual equipment servicing are essential steps to increasing home heating safety that can ultimately save lives.

3. Reduces Burn Injuries

Hot surfaces like radiators, wood stoves, and portable heaters can cause serious burns—especially for children and older adults. Keeping safe clearance zones and using protective guards helps prevent injuries.

4. Avoids Freezing and Property Damage

In Alaska, if a heating system fails, indoor plumbing can freeze and burst within hours during severe cold. Safe, well-maintained systems reduce the risk of costly water damage.

5. Lowers Energy Costs

A properly maintained heating system runs more efficiently, not only increasing home heating safety, but also reducing fuel consumption and saving money during long winter months.

Plan ahead – home heating safety considerations are the best way to help avoid potential dangers and ensure a warm winter season.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source(s): SMO, “How Does Oil Heat My Home?” and Fireplace Universe, “24 Things You Need To Know About Pellet Stoves” and Twin Star Home, “Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?“

Image created using ChatGPT – Prompt: Family enjoying their warm Alaskan home

Research from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than twelve thousand children 19 and younger die each year from preventable accidents. Safety at home means keeping homes safer for children of all ages.

Keep Kids Safe

Children, especially younger children, get hurt more often because they are smaller and less aware of danger. They are also curious and get hurt in ways that adults would not. Safety at home includes awareness of the most common causes of child injuries will help stop accidents and keep your child safer.

One of the most common accidents that hurt children is falling. Increase safety at home and prevent falls by supervising play activity. Do not let children play on furniture or near open windows. To protect particularly young children, block stairways with safety gates. Do not use baby walkers near stairs.

Children of all ages can choke on food. Some foods, such as hot dogs, hard candies and nuts are responsible for approximately 40% of choking deaths. Help prevent choking by monitoring what your child eats. Cut food into smaller bites when possible.

Preventing the most common burn injuries improves safety at home. Cook on back burners of the stove and turn handles backward, so children cannot pull or knock over pots

Basic Tips For A Safety At Home

• Keeping walkways and stairs clear of clutter to help prevent falls;
• Ensure toys are safe and child appropriate;
• Teaching children to put away toys to avoid tripping over them;
• Keeping small toys away from small children to prevent choking;
• Storing medicines, cleaners, and other chemicals up high and out of reach of children. If storing these items lower, use a child-proof cabinet lock;
• Testing home fire alarms often; and
• Practicing an exit plan with your children in case of fire

Johnson Law encourages Alaskans to adopt safety at home measures for a continued happy holiday season. We recommend these websites to parents and caregivers keen on increasing safety at home:

• Mom Junction – safety for children from birth through early teens;
• Childhood 101 – building a better environment for children 12 and younger; and
• Safe Kids Worldwide – monthly newsletter delivered to your email.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: I’m The Chef Too

Traveling Over The Holidays

Never post your travel plans online. Sharing your travel details makes you susceptible to intruders in your absence. Even if you feel that your online posts are private. Home safety includes protecting your privacy. Avoid becoming a victim by sharing specific details on the internet – always practice Internet Safety.

Notify a neighbor of your travel plans. The best person to increase home safety and keep an eye on your house is a person living close to you who sees your home throughout the day. Provide good contact information to your neighbor so they can easily reach you in case of emergency.

Do not make your home look appealing to a criminal. Many crimes against home safety occur because of opportunity. If you know that you will be away for extended times, do not order packages that will sit on your door step for days. Ask a friend or neighbor to grab your mail so that your mailbox is not over filling. The post office will also hold mail while you are traveling as a good way to avoid packages being stolen.

Staying Home Over The Holidays

Staying home with family or having visitors at your home are also perfect ways to spend the holiday season. It is still important to implement home safety precautions and not make yourself a target.

Do not put your tree in front of an open window with presents all around. Presents under the tree look nice. They also attract attention. Hide presents in safe locations until you plan to actually open them up. Burglars may drive by, see a tree in the window with presents surrounding it and make your home a target while you are away.

Finally, home safety includes checking the exterior of your home frequently. Walk around your home to look for oddities, lock all exterior doors before leaving home, and ensure your garage door is closed every night.

Christmas Lights And Home Safety

Fire hazards increase during the holidays. Before you string lights on the house or the tree, be sure to inspect the strands for frayed cords or cracked lamps. To prevent an accidental fire, replace any broken lamps, and throw away strands with frayed cords.

Home Safety Is a Key Part of Holiday Safety

Plan ahead – home safety considerations are the best way to help avoid potential dangers and ensure a wonderful holiday season.

Johnson Law wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Safewise: How to Keep Your Home Safe and Secure During the Holidays

Image Source: Anchorage Daily News

Engine Maintenance

Change the oil and oil filter to prepare for winter storage. What some people don’t realize, is that an oil change before storing your car for winter is a good idea. When your oil is old, moisture and debris can build up in your engine. Engine oil holds small particles that when not filtered, can cause corrosion within the engine. Additionally, boats commonly have issues with water getting into the engine and resting water makes for bigger problems later. It is also important to change the oil on smaller equipment, such as lawnmowers. Check manufacturers recommendations to determine the proper oil weight for storage.

Remove batteries and keep them in a cool, not cold, dry place through the Alaska winter. Consider a trickle charger. In Alaska, trickle chargers (or battery maintainers) are essential for vehicles not driven daily, especially in winter, to combat extreme cold that drains batteries. Finally, make sure that batteries are at 100% charged prior to storage.

Exterior Storage

Tires sitting for long period of winter storage can rot or become damaged from the suns UV rays. It is good to over inflate tires to avoid flat spots or dry rot. Storing your equipment on jack stands can also be beneficial. If available, use tire covers and do not forget to check tires on trailers.

Wash your outdoor equipment before winter storage to remove debris, dried mud, bug guts and other buildup from the exterior of stored equipment. Consider covering your equipment for prolonged periods of storage.

Alaska Winter Fuel System Maintenance

Fill the gas tank(s) and add fuel treatment. The fuel treatment will prolong the life of the gas so it is still usable come warmer weather after the long months of winter storage. Condensation can build up within empty tanks making it susceptible to rust or corrosion, a full tank helps avoid these issues.

To sum up, preparing for winter in advance is the best way to protect your equipment and avoid potential disasters later. Alaska winter is here. A little planning goes a long way to ensuring better living. Regardless of the season.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Alaska Structures

What Is Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, is an odorless gas that can enter the blood stream and cause serious illness or death. Consequently, too much in the air causes the body to replace the oxygen in red blood cells with the carbon monoxide. Most importantly, knowing the signs of poisoning and how to prevent it can save your life.

Signs And Symptoms of Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur from both overexposure in single incident or exposure in small amounts over an extended period of time. You may be exposed and not know for several days. This can lead to long term effects. Stay alert for signs and symptoms of this type of poisoning including a dull headache, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness.

If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical treatment. In most cases, medical treatment involves hyperbaric oxygen therapy, where the patient breaths pure oxygen in a chamber with pressure higher than normal to replace the carbon monoxide with oxygen.

Prevention

Prevent poisoning by installing carbon monoxide monitors on every level of your home and work place. Furthermore, install monitors lower to the floor for faster detection and never ignore alarms.

Never run a vehicle in a garage because exhaust needs plenty of air circulation.

A few additional safety measures to prevent this danger within your home:

• Have your heating system, water heater, dryer and other gasoline operated appliances inspected each year by a qualified technician;
• Do not heat your home with a gas stove;
• Do not use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline operated device inside your home;
• When using a fireplace, make sure it is properly vented before each use;
• Do not use any gasoline-powered engine (mowers, snow blowers, chains saws) in enclosed spaces;
• For additional research material Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

To sum up, please stay safe and warm this winter season. Protect yourself and your family by taking recommended safety measures and staying aware of carbon monoxide poisoning dangers.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: Mayo Clinic – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Image Source: THE MENA STAR

In addition to this loss, the family is now battling with the insurance company. The argument? Whether the insurance company will provide the coverage they bought so they can begin to rebuild their lives. We took the case and are currently in discussions with the insurance company. We investigated the details of this fire, the amount of loss felt by our clients and were able to help.

Homeowner Reminders

This case reminded our office of several tips for homeowners. Especially as we approach the holiday season. These thoughts may ease the difficulty in the event of a house fire. In fact, we hope some may help prevent serious loss and injury:

• Take pictures or video of every item worth $100 (or more) in every room of the house (include serial numbers) to strengthen potential insurance claims;
• Check/test fire alarms on a regular basis;
• Change fire alarm batteries as soon as they are getting low;
• Keep bar-b-que grills and supplies a safe distance from your home, including the charcoal for charcoal grills;
• Regularly maintain your chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, etc.;
• Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible on every level of your home;
• Have a fire escape plan for your family and practice it with your children.

Keep Children Safe Through the Holidays and Beyond

Children are at high risk during a home fire. The homeowner reminders for parents that help reduce injuries and damage include: installing and testing smoke alarms, and ensuring fire extinguishers are working, as well as creating practicing family escape plans. More critical than anything else is teaching children fire safety rules. For example:

• Never play with matches or lighters;
• How to drop low to the ground if a fire alarm sounds;
• How to stop, drop, and roll if clothing catches fire;
• How to follow the fire escape plan. In an emergency, children should know how to get out and stay out;
• How to call 9-1-1 after they are safely outside. 

We hope that these reminders help keep your home and more importantly your family safe in the event of a house fire. (Click here for more Home Safety ideas). Family safety is always a first priority, Alaska. However, should such devastation strike and the insurance company deny coverage, give us a call. We are here to serve you and your family.

If the unthinkable happens, call Johnson Law at (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your homeowner insurance questions.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER, Alaska)

Be Aware of Hazards

Kitchens hold many potential hazards, such as sharp utensils, hot stove tops and ovens, heavy objects like canned goods or kitchen appliances, as well as toxic cleaning supplies. There are many opportunities for injuries while working in the kitchen, especially with children.

Common injuries and emergencies that happen on Thanksgiving include lacerations from kitchen knives, burns from cooking-related incidents, and kitchen fires. Be prepared by keeping sharp objects out of reach and inaccessible to children. Cover hot stove burners and use the back burners as much as possible. Never allow kids in the kitchen unsupervised. If necessary, have a gate or barrier to keep children out of harms way.

Part of Child Kitchen Safety is Being Prepared

Prepare your home for company before having family and friends over for the holidays. Clear hazards from all living areas and close doors to any rooms that guests shouldn’t enter. Unplug toasters, blenders, coffee makers, food processors, and other small appliances when not in use and store them out of the reach of children.

Check your first aid kit and ensure all commonly used supplies are available. Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of unexpected flames.

In the event someone ingests a poisonous substance, call the Alaska Department of Health’s Poison Help number: 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Practice child kitchen safety and keep kids safer this for a Happy Thanksgiving and joyful holiday season. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: University of Alaska, Anchorage

Prepare Your Home

Ensure you prepare your home ahead Spring Break travel. It is a good idea to unplug major electronic items such as computers and televisions before you leave. This will help reduce energy consumption while you are away and protect your electronics in case of power outages.

Store valuable items in a safe place and lock exterior doors and windows to deter intruders. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area or in a garage if you are using it for the trip. Let a neighbor know you are traveling for Spring Break and provide contact information, so they can reach you in an emergency.

College Students Traveling For Spring Break Without The Family

College students may choose to take advantage of the time off to visit home or travel to a popular destination. Spring Break travel for a young college student may be their first time taking a trip without parents. It is important that families communicate about travel plans.

Parents of college students should ask questions. Ask where your child will be staying during their trip and who will be their travel companion. Get names, phone numbers, and addresses ahead of time. Ensure you have a recent photo of your child in case of emergency. Ask your child to regularly check in with you while they are traveling for Spring Break and provide a safe word in case they are in danger. It could save their life.

For students traveling for Spring Break, you can stay safe by being aware of your surroundings, practicing safe drinking, and traveling with friends. 

Spring Break Travel Safety Tips

• Never travel alone
• Share your location with friends and family when traveling for Spring Break
• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Don’t go out alone, especially at night
• Drink responsibly
• Trust your instincts and leave if you feel unsafe
• Lock your hotel door
• Don’t share your room number or location with strangers
• Practice safe driving
• Don’t text while driving

What To Do In Case Of An Injury During The Trip

If you or a family member become injured during Spring Break travel due to someone else’s negligence, you may need to hold the negligent party responsible. Ensure that you take photos of the scene while you are there and gather details immediately. It can be difficult to get information once you leave the location of the incident. 

Whether traveling or spending Spring Break at home, Johnson Law wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable spring season.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: CBS News; Life 360

Image Source: On Call International

Ice And Snow Removal – Driveways And Walkways

Removing ice and snow from driveways and walkways regularly is important. If you wait, a thick layer of ice can form and make it harder to remove later. Additionally, leaving snow and ice to buildup on driveways or walkways creates a safety risk for falling when walking to your house or getting into and out of vehicles in your driveway. It is also easier to maintain a driveway or walkway rather than waiting until several inches of snow have built up.

Salt can be helpful with keeping ice and snow off driveways and walkways but can be dangerous to pets and the environment. Additionally, some temperatures are simply too cold for ice to work. Before purchasing ice, read the label to make sure it is safe for your area and lifestyle. Consider pets, plants or greenery under the snow that may be affected and wildlife. Salt can attract wildlife to your walkway and put your family in danger.

Fire Hydrants

If you have a fire hydrant on your property, take the time to remove the ice and snow around it. If there is an emergency, firefighters do not want to deal with removing snow before being able to assist with a fire. In some areas of Alaska, the area surrounding fire hydrants is handled by the borough. If you notice hydrants are not being maintained, take initiative to report it. If the fire hydrant is on your property, spend the extra time to clear the ice and snow from the surrounding area. Be careful not to damage the hydrant.

Look Up

ice and snow can accumulate around doorways and roofs. If you notice ice crystals forming, consider removing ice from overhead to avoid falling ice when temperatures warm up. It is also important to keep an eye on the snow building up on roofs. Too much snow accumulation can fall and hurt someone or cause other damage.

If you are unable to remove ice and snow yourself at your home, consider calling a professional before too much builds up. During peak winter months, it can take days for someone to come out and remove snow. If you are visiting family or friends and are injured at their home, you may need to contact an attorney to discuss potential claims.

Ice And Snow Removal – Windshields

Cleaning off your vehicle before driving down the road is imperative to keeping Alaskan roads safe. Ice and snow often builds up on windshields and needs to be cleaned off before driving. If you store your vehicle outside, lift wipers so they do not stick to the windshield.

Be cautious of how you defrost windshields and plan ahead. It is best to let your car warm up for five minutes before turning the defroster on in the vehicle. Letting your car warm up allows the internal temperature to gradually raise so the windshield does not crack.

Defrost windshields correctly to avoid cracking. It is best to let your vehicle warm up for at least five minutes before turning the defroster on. If you have auto start, turn the defroster to the “off” position before leaving the vehicle. Using the defroster in a cold car may cause the windshield to crack. Pouring hot water onto a windshield may also cause the windshield to break.

Windows

While the car is warming up, use a scraper to clean off other windows and glass. It is important to be able to see out of the vehicle while driving. It is also the law in Alaska. Ice buildup blocks the drivers view and causes safety concerns. Wear gloves when you are removing ice from windows and glass to avoid frost bite.

Snow and Ice Removal

Before driving down the road, remove ice and snow from your vehicle. Snow can blow off while driving and cause a motor vehicle accident. Remember, if you push snow right off your vehicle, large piles may make it more difficult to drive away. Move snow to an area away from regular traffic rather than pushing it straight to the ground. Always wear gloves when cleaning off vehicles as cold snow and ice can be cold and dangerous to your skin.

It is important to remove snow and ice from vehicles to keep Alaskan roads safe. Please do your part by properly cleaning your vehicle before driving.

This piece on Removing Ice and Snow Safely is the eighth of a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Keeping Kids Safe and Warm; Heating Your Home; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Driving in Ice and Snow; Snowmachine Safety; and Surviving Extreme Cold.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Administrative Code; Family Handyman; Angi.com

Image Source: Family Handyman

Preparation and Ongoing Safety For Heating Your Home

Properly preparing the source for heating your home will keep you and your family safer and warmer during Alaska’s cold winter months. Children should not stand too closely or lay right next to a fire or stove. Keep children safe by speaking with them about the dangers of fire. Explain the importance of allowing plenty of room near a fire so that no one gets hurt.

Inspect your home heating fuel tank to help avoid costly cleanup and damage. Keep tanks and piping away from areas with high traffic. Check to make sure the vent line is clear of foreign matter. Ensure visible connections are clean and flexible, giving them space to move with the freeze/thaw cycles.

Discuss fire safety when using an open flame for heating your home. Clean up around the fireplace or gas stove before lighting anything. Some things can get too hot and catch fire unexpectedly. Avoid disaster with a little cleanup ahead of time.

Heating Your Home Using A Fuel Tank

If heating your home with a fuel tank, track the level of fuel, especially when temperatures drop below zero.  With a full tank, you won’t have to worry about the fuel level running low. Measure and monitor fuel usage and compare it to past seasons.

The fuel for heating your home is poured through a pipe leading into the tank. Clear path to your tank to ensure the company that fills your oil tank always has good access. Some Alaskans fill their own tank to save money.  Be cautious when filling up your own tank in extreme cold.  Protect yourself by wearing cold weather gear. At least wear heavy-duty gloves and a coat. 

Heating Your Home With A Pellet Or Wood Stove

Keep a surplus of wood or pellet fuel for heating your home.  If you use a wood burner, make sure to burn well dried wood in order to prevent condensation in the chimney. 

Condensation also occurs from a process through the exhaust gases. Exhaust gases contain water. The fire vaporizes the water which is carried through the smoke.  In extreme temperatures, the gases get so cold they freeze inside the chimney, preventing proper air flow.  Properly insulated stove pipes on your furnace help prevent the condensation from occurring.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are a great way to warm up your home on cold winter days but there are several safety concerns with indoor fires. Ensure you are practicing good fire safety for not only open flame but gas fireplaces too.

Open the damper or flue on fireplaces before starting a fire. The smoke is drawn out of the house eliminating build up in the house. Use the proper type of wood for fireplaces. Use well-dried and well-aged wood for less smoke buildup. Finally, get your chimney cleaned by a professional each year to avoid build up on the chimney walls.

Gas Stoves

Do not fall into a lull with fire safety because you think gas stoves or gas-powered fireplaces are safer for heating your home. The gas stoves get really hot and increase safety hazards because people are often less careful with them. Never store items on gas stoves. Jackets, blankets, stuffed animals and other items can melt easily from the heat produced by a gas stove or fireplace.

This piece on Heating Your Home is the fourth of a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Keeping Kids Safe and Warm; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Driving in Ice and Snow; Snowmachine Safety; Removing Ice and Snow Safely; and Surviving Extreme Cold.

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Cooperative Extension Service; SOA Prevention Preparedness

Image Source: Taylored Restoration Alaska