Gas Space Heater and Fireplace Safety

Everyone loves a warm, cozy place to settle when the winds, temperatures, and weather conditions outside are less than desirable. Gas fireplaces and space heaters are a great way to enhance your home’s main heating system, but did you know the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports heating equipment as the leading cause of fires in U.S. homes? The NFPA also reports nearly half (46 percent) of all home heating fires occur in the winter months of December, January, and February.

While using portable and stationary heating equipment as supportive means of home heat is safe, we’ve compiled a list of tips and suggestions for your increased safety.

• ALWAYS give space heaters space! They account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from heating equipment and/or flames. ALSO: ALWAYS maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from anything that can burn. This includes upholstered furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, insulation, cardboard, papers, etc.
• NEVER leave heaters on when unattended. Turn heaters off when leaving the area. Also, close cylinder valves on portable propane cylinders to avoid leaking gas and fumes.
• ALWAYS have chimneys and heating equipment cleaned and inspected by a professional once a year.
• ALWAYS have stationary heaters installed by qualified professionals. 
• ALWAYS use the fuel specified by the manufacturer for fuel-fired heaters.
• ALWAYS use fuel intended for indoor use. Safe types of fuel are propane, kerosene and natural gas. ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s instructions when filling a heater with fuel. NEVER use gasoline.
• NEVER use an unvented, fuel-fired space heater indoors. These heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to death. They can also emit nitrogen oxide, which can cause respiratory problems.
• ALWAYS hire a professional to install vented gas heaters near an outside wall. Have these heaters professionally inspected once a year.

Other Important Safety Measures To Consider:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector if using any type of fuel-fired space heater.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
• Use space heaters only as a supplemental source of heat.

Your warmth and safety during the winter months are our priority. For more information about heating safety and other fire safety measures, visit the National Fire Protection Association website. You can also call or stop by our office for more information.