Winter Heating Safety

There are a few ways to keep warm this winter- use these items safely.

PROPANE & KEROSENE HEATERS

Be sure the heater has an emergency shut-off in case of the heater tipping over. Make sure the room the heater is in has plenty of ventilation.  Burning fuel such as kerosene or propane can produce deadly fumes.

ELECTRIC SPACE HEATERS

Space heaters or portable heaters are economical and easy to use but can be dangerous if you are not careful.  They may cause fires, burns, explosions, or electric shock.  Space heaters should be at least 3 feet from furniture, walls, bedding, etc., and never leave a heater unattended. 

Look for a listing by a testing lab to ensure certain safety standards.

Look for space heaters that have an automatic turn-off switch in case the heater gets too hot and that will also turn off the heater if it tips over.

Don’t use your heater as a dryer – keep clothing and other combustibles away.

FIREPLACES

Choose the right fuel – hardwood such as oak and hickory burn cleaner than softwood (pine, cedar, etc). Never burn wrapping paper or glossy magazine paper which can cause an explosion. 

Keep your fireplace in good condition – have your chimney inspected for cracking or deterioration. Repair any loose mortar or bricks.

Always keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening.

Never overload the fireplace with too many logs and stack the logs at the rear of the fireplace when building a fire. 

Never close your damper until you know the fire is out.  A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again if there are hot ashes and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.

Stay warm and safe this winter!