Source: FEMA and the US Fire Administration

A major contributing factor in residential fires is the use of wood burning stoves and space heaters. Many of these fires can be prevented. Here are some winter heating tips to keep in mind during the cold months:

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

• Be sure the fireplace or wood stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance of 36 inches from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be UL listed, solid construction and good quality.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if not used in quite a long time.
• Check the outside chimney for cracks or loose bricks. All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or rekindle any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and to help prevent burns to your home's occupants.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build a roaring fire in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon dioxide. Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. Sparks could easily ignite these materials.
• Make sure your fireplace fire is out before you go to sleep. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will heat a fire again and force carbon monoxide into the home.
• Follow package directions on synthetic logs. NEVER break apart a synthetic log to quicken the fire. Do not use more than one log at a time. These logs burn unevenly, increasing carbon monoxide levels.
• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place ashes in a metal container outside and away from the house.

Heat Furnaces

• Check if furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
• Check the pipe seams and pipe flue for holes and cracks and be sure they are well supported. Soot along or around a seam may be an indicator of a leak.
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from heating systems.
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.

Other Tips

• If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry the amp load. Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.
• Avoid using space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
• If your water pipes freeze, NEVER try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing.
• NEVER use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. This is a safety hazard and can be a source of potential toxic fumes.