***** WARNING SPACE HEATERS CAN BE HAZARDOUS *****

The use of space heaters is growing. This increases the potential for fires and burn injuries. Small children are especially at risk for space heater-related problems.

If you are thinking of buying one, consider these hazards before you decide:

Severe burn injuries can result from:

  • direct contact with heater surface
  • ignition of clothing or other flammables
  • use of the wrong fuel
  • improper fueling practices
  • storing liquid fuel indoors
  • cooking or heating water on heater top

Respiratory illness may result from or be aggravated by:

  • poor quality fuel
  • inhaling fumes over a long period
  • accidental ingestion of fuel
  • failure to keep wicks clean

If you already own a space heater, please observe the following guidelines:

PORTABLE KEROSENE HEATERS

Avoid Direct Contact

  • Use a protective cage, especially if you have small children
  • Never use heater to heat water or food
  • Never move heater while in use

Use Proper Fuel

  • Use only clear kerosene (K-1) bought fresh each heating season. Lower quality kerosene produces additional smoke and toxic vapors. Other products used as fuel (gasoline, fuel oil, paint thinner) can explode.

Provide Ventilation

  • Leave a window or door slightly open. Be especially careful if your house is well insulated. Heaters produce carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases.

Refuel Heater With Caution

  • Turn off and let cool (fuel hitting a hot surface could ignite)
  • Refill tank outside (fuel spilled indoors spoils furnishings and is flammable)
  • Stop filling when gage reads "full" (kerosene could spill over)

Turn Off Unattended Heaters

  • Avoid using heaters:
    • when asleep
    • in an unoccupied room
    • when visitors, children or baby-sitters are in charge

Follow Safe Storage Practices

  • Keep in approved container clearly marked "kerosene"
  • Store fuel indoors
  • Keep away from children (ingestion could cause poisoning and pneumonia)

 

 

Space heaters that burn fuel produce gasses which may be hazardous, especially to high-risk groups (pregnant women, asthmatics, young children, the elderly, and individuals with cardiovascular diseases).

Coal and Wood Stoves - Installation and Maintenance

  • Use a qualified installer
  • Provide recommended clearance for stove and ductwork
  • Place on nonflammable base
  • Have stove, ductwork and chimney cleaned annually

Ventilation (see Kerosene Heater Guidelines)

Fuel

  • Use COAL ONLY in coal stoves
  • Use SEASONED WOOD ONLY in wood stoves
  • Avoid overloading stove with fuel
  • Store fuel at a safe distance from stove
  • Do not use lighter fluid or other flammable liquids to help start fire
  • Place ashes in suitable metal container and take outdoors immediately

Operation

  • Always use fire screen or keep doors closed
  • Keep children away from stove
  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy

OTHER HEATING DEVICES

LP Gas (Propane) Heaters

  • Keep heaters free of dust and lint
  • Do not use or store other flammable liquids nearby
  • Provide protection against direct contact
  • Provide proper ventilation
  • Have a maintenance check annually

Electric Space Heaters

  • Keep away from flammable materials
  • Keep away from bathtubs or wet areas
  • Use only heavy-duty extension cord (if an extension cord must be used)