Use and maintain supplemental heating devices in accordance with
Do not leave heating devices unattended or turned on while you
Provide all heating devices with at least three feet of clear
space, away from beds, drapes, furniture and other combustible
Examine gas lines for punctures or splits. Check the connectors
and valves for leaks.
Leave space for air to circulate around other heat-producing
equipment, such as copy machines, coffee makers and computers.
Keep appliances away from anything that might catch fire.
Do not stack books or papers on top of computer monitors.
Designate someone to turn off or unplug all appliances at the
end of each workday at work.
Chimneys and Fireplaces
Clean and maintain chimneys fireplaces and furnaces on a regular
basis. Most fires in wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys occur
because of a lack of regular cleaning, leading to the buildup of
creosote (the residue of unburned fuel).
Keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace with fire screens
made of heat-tempered glass or sturdy metal.
Burn dry, well-seasoned hard wood because itís the most
Smoke and CO Alarms
If you donít have smoke alarms, install them. If you do,
maintain them according to the manufacturerís instructions.
Install CO alarms in your home to provide you with an early
warning if CO is accumulating. Heating equipment that burns fuel is
a potential source of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless,
poisonous gas that is created when fuel burns incompletely.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms weekly to be sure they are
Change the batteries in all alarms at least once a year.
General Fire-Prevention and Safety Practices
Have a family escape plan with a meeting place.
Once you exit your home, DO NOT return. Too many people lose
their lives going back into a burning home.
If you use candles, make sure you use them in a safe environment
in a fireproof container and away from children. Do not leave them
unattended. If possible, consider using flameless, battery-operated
Consider getting a residential fire sprinkler installed.
According to statistics, the risk of death by fire is reduced by 82
percent when smoke detectors are accompanied with residential fire