Heat-Producing Appliances

• Leave space for air to circulate around other heat-producing equipment, such as copy machines, coffee makers and computers.  Keep appliances away from anything that might catch fire.  Do not stack books or papers on top of computer monitors.
• Designate someone to turn off or unplug all appliances at the end of each workday at work.

Chimneys and Fireplaces

• Clean and maintain chimneys fireplaces and furnaces on a regular basis.  Most fires in wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys occur because of a lack of regular cleaning, leading to the buildup of creosote (the residue of unburned fuel).
• Keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace with fire screens made of heat-tempered glass or sturdy metal.
• Burn dry, well-seasoned hard wood because it’s the most efficient fuel.

Space Heaters

• Open-faced heaters should have a proper screen and grate in place. Small children may be attracted to the flame.
• Keep all combustible materials and yourself at least three feet away from the heater. Even a slight brush against a heater could ignite your clothing.
• Provide adequate ventilation, opening a window slightly (one inch) to prevent carbon monoxide build up.  Note: if your flame is not blue, it is not burning properly. It is producing carbon monoxide which can’t be seen, smelt or tasted. TURN IT OFF.
• Use flexible metal tubing with threaded ends to connect the heater to the gas valve. There should be a cut-off valve for the heater at the wall.  Never use a rubber hose to connect a space heater to the gas valve.
• Use soapy water to check all connections and valves for leaks.  Never use a match to test for a gas leak.
• Look for American Gas Association label and follow the manufacturers recommendations for proper usage.
• Vented gas/fired heating appliances (central heating units, floor furnaces, recessed wall heaters and vented space heaters) should be inspected annually by a qualified service technician.
• Do not store combustibles within three feet of heaters or their vents. Do not use units without a proper vent pipe. Vent pipes must exhaust outside.

Electric Heaters

• Never overload outlets or breakers.
• Don’t use extension cords on the heater.
• If the cord is hot to touch, turn off the heater and unplug it!
• Keep all combustible materials and yourself at least three feet away from the heater.
• Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly. Lint and dust built up will burn.