Heating Safety

space heater

Reduce Your Risk of Fire & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When temperatures drop, many households turn to space heaters, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning equipment. While these can provide comfort, unsafe use increases the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 48,530 home structure fires due to heating equipment per year. The CDC estimates over 20,000 emergency department visits and over 400 non-fire carbon monoxide related deaths occur annually in the U.S. Knowing how to heat your home safely helps reduce these dangers.

  1. Fire Precautions
  2. CO Posioning Precautions

Winter Warmth With Reduced Risk

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Nearly half of these fires happen between December and February, and more than one-quarter involve space heaters or heating stoves. By following safe practices, you can reduce the risk of fire while keeping your home warm this winter.

Safe Heating Tips

  • Keep all heating equipment at least three feet from curtains, furniture, bedding, and other flammable items.
  • Use space heaters with automatic shut-off features and always place them on a flat, stable surface.
  • Never use ovens, stovetops, charcoal grills, or camp stoves to heat your home.
  • Refuel kerosene heaters outdoors and ensure proper ventilation.
  • Have chimneys, fireplaces, and heating equipment cleaned and inspected each year by a qualified professional.
  • Turn off portable heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.

Portable Electric Space Heaters

  • Purchase only heaters tested by a qualified laboratory.
  • Choose models with a thermostat, overheat protection, and tip-over shut-off.
  • Place on a solid, flat surface—out of walkways—and never block an exit.
  • Plug directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips.
  • Keep at least three feet from anything that can burn, and keep children and pets away.
  • Turn off and unplug before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

  • Use a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
  • Allow ashes to cool before placing them in a metal container stored outside and away from the home.
  • Have wood stoves professionally installed or follow manufacturer instructions exactly.

Portable Ethanol Fireplaces

  • Adults only: follow all manufacturer instructions.
  • Place on a sturdy surface away from edges and open a window slightly for ventilation.
  • Wipe up spilled fuel and let it fully evaporate before lighting.
  • Light with a utility lighter or long match. Never move a lit or hot fireplace.
  • Wait at least 15 minutes after extinguishing before refueling. Never add fuel to a lit or warm device.
  • Extinguish flames before leaving the room, leaving home, or going to bed.
  • Store ethanol fuel in a sealed container away from the fireplace and out of children’s reach. Use only fuel made for that device.