Heating 

Most home-heating fires involve portable heaters and space heaters, with room gas heaters and kerosene heaters accounting for the highest fatality risk. But all heating systems -including fireplaces- can be dangerous if they're not used and maintained properly.

Tips for purchasing heaters: 

• Check with your local fire department to make sure what you are buying conforms to local building and fire codes

• When shopping for portable or space heaters, look for automatic shut-off safety features

• All portable heating equipment should bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory, indicating that the heater has met basic safety standards

Give Space Heaters Space

Keep all combustible materials away from portable and space heaters. Place all space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from furniture, walls, curtains, or anything else that burns. Turn off space heaters when you leave home or go to bed. 

Vents and Chimneys

All fueled heaters must be vented to prevent dangerous carbon-monoxide build-up in your home. Creosote and carbon deposits, caused by inefficient combustion in fireplaces and wood stoves, can coat chimney flues and pose a fire hazard.

Tips: 

• Have your chimney inspected by a professional before each heating season and have it cleaned, if necessary.  (Your chimney may not be burning efficiently, the inspection will tell you that).

• If you use a wood stove, have the flue and chimney connection inspected and cleaned regularly.

• Consider installing a spark arrester on top of any chimney that vents a solid-fuel stove or fireplace.

• Check with your local fire department for more instructions on installing heaters and vents.

Liquid - Fuel Safety

If your space heater burns a liquid fuel, such as kerosene, let the heater cool down before refueling it. Adding fuel to a hot heater can cause the fumes to ignite. Refuel your heater outdoors in an area away from structures where spills won't present a fire hazard.  Use only the fuel recommended by your heater's manufacturer.  Never use a substitute or lower-grade fuels.  Never put gasoline in any space heater.

Gas - Fueled Heaters

Check vents periodically to make sure they aren't blocked. Never install unvented gas heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms. Carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels in any small, enclosed space.

Wood or Coal Stoves

To protect the floor under wood or coal stoves from heat and stray embers, put down approved protection or a floor protector listed with a testing lab. Install wood and coal stoves at least three feet (one meter) away from walls and furniture, unless the stove is listed for a lesser clearance.  Keep all combustible materials away from the stove and its chimney connection.

Fireplaces

When you use your fireplace, protect your home from sparks by using a fire screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass.  Burn only seasoned weed- never rubbish- in your fireplace.  Add wood carefully; sparks can escape into the room while the screen is open. Be sure dampers are in working order, and never leave fires unattended - especially in an area used by children or pets.

Electric Heaters

Inspect electric heater cords for cracks or other damage and have an electrician replace frayed, cracked, or damaged cords. If cords overheat while the unit is in use, have the heater inspected and serviced.

Central Heating Systems

Statistically, central heating systems are less likely than portable or space heaters to cause home fires, but neglect can increase the risk to your home.  Have your furnace, chimneys, and chimney connections inspected - and serviced, if necessary -  at least once a year by a qualified professional. Never store combustible material near a furnace, and be sure that installation and automatic shut-off systems conform to local fire-safety codes and are in good working order.