Prevention Information
- Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet
away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
-Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and
make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving
home.
-If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as
ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets
away from space heaters.
-When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls
over as another safety measure.
-Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
-Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks
and rolling logs.
-Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected
and cleaned once a year.
Sources: American Red Cross,* U.S. Fire Administration,** and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.***
