As the weather grows colder, more people continue to reach for their heating equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment caused 21% of home fire deaths in 2010. No matter how you stay warm this winter, we want you to be safe, so we compiled a list of safety tips for each heating source.

Central Heater
Your central heating system is the single most important factor in staying comfortable this winter. To ensure safe operation of your furnace all winter long, we recommend the following actions:

• Get an annual inspection to ensure your heater is operating safely.
• If you have a gas heater, make sure it is properly vented.
• Clear the area around the heater of combustible materials.
• If you have a gas furnace or other gas appliance, install carbon monoxide detectors.

Wood Stove
Wood stoves cause over 9,000 residential fires each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. To prevent this, make sure your wood stove is safe by observing the following:

• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. This produces more heat and prevents creosote buildup, which can damage your flue.
• Flue vents should be inspected and cleaned at least annually
• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from the stove.
• Do not put trash or artificial logs in the stove.
• Install working fire/smoke alarms and test them regularly.

Fireplace
A fireplace can offer both relaxation and warmth. Many families associate the winter and holiday seasons with gatherings around the fireplace. Here are a few ways you can keep your fireplace safe:

• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Watch children and pets around the fireplace.
• Use the metal mesh screen to keep embers from coming into your home.
• Never burn cardboard or other garbage in the fireplace.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start fires.
• Make sure there are no branches hanging above your chimney.

Electric & Kerosene Heaters
Portable heaters can be extremely dangerous if not used with caution. We suggest installing a zoned heating system instead of using an electric or kerosene space heater to heat a cold room. But if you do find yourself using a portable heater this winter, here are a few tips:

• Buy and use only heaters evaluated by a national-recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Unplug electric space heaters when not in use.
• Do not use the heater to dry clothes and do not store items on top of it.
• Keep combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters.
• Avoid using portable electric heaters where they may come in contact with water.
• Do not put other fuel sources in a kerosene heater.
• Refuel kerosene heaters outside of the house.

As the weather grows colder and you turn more and more to heat sources to keep yourself warm, remember these tips to keep your family and your home safe this winter.

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