Alternative Heating Fire Safety

  • Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires
  • Deaths due to fires caused by heating a home are particularly preventable

Alternative Heating Fire Safety Life-Saving Tips

Following these simple fire safety tips can increase your survival rate dramatically:

  • Allow your heater to cool before refueling and only refuel outdoors
  • Carefully follow manufacturers' installation and maintenance instructions
  • Clean your chimney regularly chimney tar build-up can ignite your chimney, roof and the whole house
  • For wood stove fuel, use only seasoned wood, not green wood, artificial logs or trash
  • In case of a fire, crawl or stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke, and have an escape plan already
  • Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year; consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened
  • Keep the fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs
  • Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas, if you use a kerosene heater, use only the recommended fuel; always refuel outdoors safety away from your home
  • Space heaters need space, keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater
  • When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over