HEATING
FIREPLACES (Return to Top)
- Is there a tight fitting screen in front of your fireplace?
Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace.
- Is your chimney cleaned every year?
Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned out frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control.
- Are ashes removed from the fireplace and placed in metal containers?
Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside of your home.
- Has your chimney been installed according to existing building codes and manufacturer's instructions?
Do not use chimney unless it is properly installed and meets building codes.
WOOD STOVES (Return to Top)
- Is there proper clearance between wood stoves and combustibles?
Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs or trash. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage and obstructions. Be sure to keep combustible objects at least three feet away from your wood stove.
- Has the wood stove been installed according to existing building codes and manufacturer's instructions?
Wood burning stoves should be installed by a qualified person according to local building codes. Local building code officials or fire marshals can provide requirements and recommendations for installation.
NOTE: Some insurance companies will not cover fire loses if wood stoves are not installed according to local codes.
- Is the chimney and stovepipe checked frequently during the heating season for creosote buildup and are cleaned when necessary?
Have chimneys inspected and cleaned by a registered or licensed professional. Burning wood can cause a buildup of a tarry substance (creosote) inside the chimney. This material can ignite and result in a serious chimney fire.
- Does the stove sit on a non-combustible or a code-specified or listed floor protector?
Use a code-specified or listed floor protector. It should extend 18 inches beyond the stove on all sides. This will reduce the possibility of the floor being ignited.
- Is proper fuel used in the stove?
Never burn trash in a stove because this could over heat the stove. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used to start wood stove fires. Gasoline will ignite and explode. Use coal only if designated as appropriate by the manufacturer.
- Are ashes removed from the stove and placed in metal containers?
Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside of your home.
- Are combustibles at least three feet away from stove?
Follow the instructions on the stove label for proper location of the stove from combustible walls.
KEROSENE HEATERS (Return to Top)
- Is the heater placed out of the path of traffic areas such as doorways and hallways?
Place heaters so they will not be knocked over or trap you in case of a fire. No attempt should be made to move a heater if a flare-up or if uncontrolled flaming occurs. This can make the fire worse. If the heater is equipped with a manual shutoff switch, activate the switch to shut off the heater. If this does not extinguish the fire, leave the house immediately and call the fire department.
- Is the kerosene fuel stored outdoors, and out of reach of children in a tightly sealed, preferably blue plastic or metal container labeled "kerosene"?
Always store kerosene in a container intended for kerosene, not in a gasoline can or a can that has contained gasoline. This helps avoid using contaminated fuel or the wrong fuel by mistake. Kerosene containers are usually blue, Gasoline containers are red.
- Are combustibles at least three feet away from heater?
Follow the instructions on the heater label for proper location from combustibles. The heater should be placed at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire such as clothing, furniture, curtains, etc. Turn the heater off while sleeping and never leave it operating while unattended.
- Is only 1-K kerosene used and is bought from a dealer who can certify that the product is 1-K kerosene?
Use 1-K kerosene because grades other than 1-K can lead to a release of more pollutants in your home, posing a possible health risk. If you buy kerosene from a gas station make sure you and/or the attendant are using the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump. Some service stations have separate islands for kerosene.
NEVER USE GASOLINE. Gasoline is not the same as kerosene. Even small amounts of gasoline or other volatile fuels or solvents mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of a fire or an explosion.
NEVER refuel the heater inside the home. Fill the tank outdoors, away from combustible materials, and only after the heater has been turned off and allowed to cool. Do not refuel the heater when it is hot or in operation. Do not fill the fuel tank above the "full" mark. The space above the "full" mark is to allow the fuel to expand without causing leakage when the heater is operated.
ELECTRIC HEATERS (Return to Top)
- Are heaters which come with a 3-prong plug being used in a 3-hole outlet or with a properly attached adapter?
The grounding feature provided by a 3-hole receptacle or an adapter for a 2-hole receptacle is a safety feature designed to lessen the risk of shock. Never defeat the grounding feature. Frequently check the electrical cords on your heater. If the cord is frayed or splitting, or gets hot, have it replaced by a qualified appliance repairman at once.
- Is the heater operated at least three feet away from upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and other combustible materials?
Buy an approved heater that has been tested by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).It should be equipped with a safety light, loud alarm, or a switch that will automatically shut off the heater if it tips and a cut-off device in case of overheating. Read the owners manual before operating the heater. Maintain the heater according to the manual. Follow the instructions on the heater label for proper location from combustibles. The heater should be placed at least three feet from combustibles. Turn the heater off when family members leave the house or are sleeping. Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.
- If an extension cord is used, is it marked #14 or #12 American Wire Gauge (AWG)?
Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord with your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself. Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs. Do not place anything on top of the cord.
- Is the heater placed only on the floor?
Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or the like as they can easily be knocked over resulting in a fire or a serious burn. Do not use an electric space heater in the bathroom which can result in an electrical shock. Do not touch a space heater if you are wet.
GAS-FIRED SPACE HEATERS (Return to Top)
- Is the heater operated at least three feet away from upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and other combustible materials?
The heater should be placed at least three feet from combustibles. Buy an approved heater that has been tested by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). It should be equipped with a safety switch that will automatically shut off the heater if it tips and a cut-off device in case of overheating. Read the owners manual before operating the heater. Maintain the heater according to the manual. Follow the instructions on the heater label for proper location from combustibles. Turn the heater off when family members leave the house or are sleeping. Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.
- Matches are lighted before turning on the gas if pilot light is required.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding where and how to use gas space heaters. Light matches, if needed for lighting the pilot, before turning on the gas to prevent gas from accumulating and igniting explosively.
- Are only vented heaters installed or used in sleeping areas?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding where and how to use gas space heaters. Unvented heaters should not be used in small enclosed areas, especially bedrooms because of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Heaters should be properly vented to the outside. If the heater uses liquified petroleum (LP) gas, the container should be located outside of the house.
- Is the heater placed out of the path of traffic areas such as doorways and hallways?
Place heaters so they will not be knocked over or trap you in case of a fire. No attempt should be made to move a heater if a flare-up or if uncontrolled flaming occurs. This can make the fire worse. If the heater is equipped with a manual shutoff switch, activate the switch to shut off the heater. If this does not extinguish the fire, leave the house immediately and call the fire department.
The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.
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