PURCHASING
HEATING EQUIPMENT
When purchasing new heating equipment, the National
Fire Protection Association advises selecting equipment that
bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Install
and maintain heating equipment correctly, and be sure it
complies with local fire and building codes. Where possible,
have local building or fire officials check the installation
and maintenance
Portable LP Gas (Propane) Heaters with self-contained
fuel supplies (cabinet heaters) are prohibited for home use
by NFPA fire safety standards.
FIREPLACES & WOODSTOVES
- Be sure the
stove or fireplace is installed properly. Wood stoves
should have adequate clearance (36”) from combustible
surfaces, and proper floor support and protection.
- Wood stoves
should be of good quality, solid construction and
design, and should be UL listed.
- Have the
chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary,
especially if it has not been used for some time.
- Do not use
flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
- Keep a glass or
metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to
prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted
material from going in, and help prevent the possibility
of bums to occupants.
- The stove
should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to
reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
- Don’t use
excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in
fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the
chimney by overbuilding the fire.
- Never burn
charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal
amounts of carbon monoxide.
- Keep flammable
materials away from your mantel. A spark from the
fireplace could easily ignite these materials.
- Before you go
to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER
close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A
closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and
will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
- If synthetic
logs are used, follow the directions on the package.
Never break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or
use more than one log at a time. They often burn
unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
- If you decorate
your fireplace with Christmas stockings or other
seasonal decorations, don' t burn fires in it.
KEROSENE HEATERS
- Be sure your
heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust
parts for carbon build-up. Be sure the heater has an
emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.
- Never use fuel
burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning
fuel (kerosene, coal or propane, for example) produces
deadly fumes.
- Use ONLY the
fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. NEVER
introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type
fuel.
- Keep kerosene,
or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal
containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of
the house.
- NEVER fill the
heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an
oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. Use caution
with cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms
up.
- Refueling
should be done outside of the home (or outdoors).
- Keep young
children safely away from space heaters -- especially
when they are wearing nightgowns or other loose clothing
that can be easily ignited.
- When using a
fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is
proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon
monoxide.
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PORTABLE
& SPACE HEATERS
Portable and space heaters can be either
electric-powered or fueled by gas, liquid fuel (usually
kerosene), or solid fuel (usually wood). All types must be
kept at least 36 inches (1 meter) from anything that can
burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and
people. Space heaters must not be left operating when you
are not in the room or when you go to sleep. Children and
pets should be supervised at all times when space heaters
are in use. Ensure everyone is aware of the high fire hazard
associated with drying clothing or placing combustibles over
heaters. If you have an electric space heater, check each
season for fraying or splitting wires or overheating. Have
all problems repaired by a professional before operating the
space heater.
MORE FIRE SAFETY TIPS
- Never use a
range or an oven as a supplementary heating device. Not
only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of
potentially toxic fumes.
- If you use an
electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit.
Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating
to carry the amp load.
- Avoid using
electric space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas
where they may come in contact with water.
- Frozen water
pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other
open flame, (otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat
and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space).
Use hot water or a UL labeled device such as a hand held
dryer for thawing.
- If windows are
used as emergency exits in your home, practice using
them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all
windows open easily. Home escape ladders are
recommended.
- Never discard
hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal
container outside and well away from the house.
 Finally,
as in every season, have working smoke alarms
installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and
keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all
times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to
practice your home escape plan.
This page compiled with information from the United
States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection
Association
For More Information Contact:
Edinburg Fire & Burn Prevention
212 W. McIntyre St.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Ph. 956-383-5661
Or
visit
U.S.
Fire Administration
National
Fire Protection Association
U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
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