Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Half of home heating equipment fires are reported during December, January, and February. However, some simple steps now can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
- Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- NEVER use an extension cord with an electric space heater.
- Make sure your space heater has a “tip-over” cut-off switch.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Never bring a gas or charcoal grill inside to heat your home.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
- Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Test smoke/fire/carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
- Make sure you have smoke/fire alarms on each floor of your home, including the basement. Install a smoke/fire alarm in each bedroom as well.
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