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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.
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If you are thinking of buying one, consider these hazards before you decide:
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direct contact with heater surface
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ignition of clothing or other flammables |
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use of the wrong fuel |
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improper fueling practices |
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storing liquid fuel indoors |
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cooking or heating water on heater top |
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| If you already own a space heater, please observe the following guidelines: |
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| PORTABLE KEROSENE HEATERS |
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| Avoid Direct Contact |
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Use a protective cage, especially if you have small children |
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Never use heater to heat water or food |
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Never move heater while in use |
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| Use Proper Fuel |
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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.
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| Provide Ventilation |
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Leave a window or door slightly open. Be especially careful if your house is well insulated. Heaters produce carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases.
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| Refuel Heater With Caution |
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Turn off and let cool (fuel hitting a hot surface could ignite) |
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Refill tank outside (fuel spilled indoors spoils furnishings and is flammable) |
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Stop filling when gage reads "full" (kerosene could spill over) |
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| Turn Off Unattended Heaters |
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Avoid using heaters:
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 when asleep |
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in an unoccupied room |
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when visitors, children or baby-sitters are in charge |
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| Follow Safe Storage Practices |
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Keep in approved container clearly marked "kerosene"
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Store fuel indoors |
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Keep away from children (ingestion could cause poisoning and pneumonia) |
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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).
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| Coal and Wood Stoves - Installation and Maintenance |
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Use a qualified installer |
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Provide recommended clearance for stove and ductwork |
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Place on nonflammable base |
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Have stove, ductwork and chimney cleaned annually |
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Ventilation (see Kerosene Heater Guidelines)
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| Fuel |
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Use COAL ONLY in coal stoves |
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Use SEASONED WOOD ONLY in wood stoves |
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Avoid overloading stove with fuel |
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Store fuel at a safe distance from stove |
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Do not use lighter fluid or other flammable liquids to help start fire |
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Place ashes in suitable metal container and take outdoors immediately |
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| Operation |
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Always use fire screen or keep doors closed |
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Keep children away from stove |
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Keep a fire extinguisher handy |
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| OTHER HEATING DEVICES |
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| LP Gas (Propane) Heaters |
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Keep heaters free of dust and lint |
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Do not use or store other flammable liquids nearby |
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Provide protection against direct contact |
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Provide proper ventilation |
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Have a maintenance check annually |
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| Electric Space Heaters |
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Keep away from flammable materials |
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Keep away from bathtubs or wet areas |
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Use only heavy-duty extension cord (if an extension cord must be used) |