General Heating Safety Tips

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety tips for space heaters: Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or the heating element to protect children and clothing.

• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Some heaters get very hot. Children should not be permitted to either adjust the controls or move the heater.
• When selecting a heater, look for one that has been certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. The wrong size heater could produce more pollutants and may not be an efficient use of energy.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions, and make sure all members of the household understand how to operate the heater safely.
• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an un-vented fuel-burning space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion. Even vented heaters require ventilation for proper combustion.
• Never leave a space heater on when you sleep or leave the area. This is a carbon monoxide and fire hazard.
• Never use or store paints, solvents or flammable liquids around a space heater. Flammable vapors can ignite.
• Be aware that mobile homes require specially designed heating equipment. Only electric or vented fuel-fired heaters should be used.
• Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes.
• Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes.
• Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.
• Equip your home with at least one smoke alarm on each floor and outside sleeping areas.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.
• Keep at least one dry-powder operative, ABC-type fire extinguisher in the home at all times.
• Keep areas around heat sources free of papers and trash.
• Develop a fire escape plan before a fire occurs. Be certain that all members of the household understand the plan and are able to carry out the plan in case of emergency.
• Be sure the plan includes a predetermined meeting place outside the house.
• If you clothing does catch fire, don't run! Drop down immediately, cover face with hands, and roll to smother the flames. Teach your family how to do this.
• Have annual safety checks on all home-heating equipment.