FIRE PREVENTION - Heating Safety Tips

GENERAL HEATING SAFETY TIPS

• Keep children and pets away from all heating appliances.
•  Use heaters that are tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. 
• Read and follow all of the manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Never use or store flammable liquids around any heating appliance. 
• Be aware that mobile homes require specially designed heating equipment.
• Have at least one smoke alarm on each floor and outside sleeping areas.
• Install a UL approved carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas.
• Have an ABC-type fire extinguisher in the home at all times.
• Keep areas around heating appliances free of papers, trash, and any other combustible items.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan before a fire occurs.
• Have annual safety checks on all home-heating equipment.

  SAFETY TIPS FOR KEROSENE SPACE HEATERS

• Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater.
• Only use K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters.  Kerosene should be purchased from a dealer who can certify that it is K-1 grade kerosene.
• Never over-fill the fuel tank of a kerosene heater beyond the full mark.
• Do not attempt to refuel the heater when it is operating or hot.
• Always refuel kerosene heaters outside and when completely cooled.
• If flare-up or flaming occurs, do not attempt to move the heater. If activation of the shut-off switch does not extinguish the flame, leave the area and immediately and call the fire department.
• Keep heaters at least three feet away from bedding, furniture and drapes.
• Never leave a space heater on when you sleep or leave the area.
• Keep kerosene stored outside in a sealed blue container labeled "Kerosene."          

SAFETY TIPS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRIC SPACE HEATERS

• Use a heater with a tip-over switch that will turn the heater off if it is tipped over.
• Use heaters on the floor, never place heaters on furniture.
• Do not use heaters in wet or moist places unless certified for that purpose.
• Do not place cords under rugs or set anything on top of the cord.
• Do not use an extension cord.
• Be sure the plug fits snugly and properly into the outlet. 
• Broken heaters should be repaired by a qualified appliance service technician.                         

SAFETY TIPS FOR GAS SPACE HEATERS

• Have your gas heater professionally installed and inspected.
• Gas heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not vented properly.
• Light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot. 
• If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the appliance. Call the fire department.                         

SAFETY TIPS FOR FIREPLACES, WOOD OR COAL BURNING HEATERS

• Follow building codes and the manufacturer's instructions during installation.
• Before the start of the heating season have your chimney cleaned and inspected. 
• Check chimney and stovepipes frequently during the heating season for creosote build- up
• Do not burn trash or anything other than the proper fuel.
• Use only dry, seasoned hardwoods in your fireplace or woodstove.
• Use a glass or mesh fireplace screen to keep embers or sparks from leaving the fireplace.
• Use a separate metal container for ash removal.