Nothing is cozier than a fire – as long as it stays in the fireplace! Unfortunately, they can also be deadly. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe.

 Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

• Remember that fireplaces contain open flames. It can easily ignite any combustibles nearby!
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children
• Do not burn holiday wrapping papers in the fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely
• Use only clean dry wood, do not burn trash. Use a metal container for ash removal and store it outside, away from combustibles such as a wood deck or pine needles
• Have your chimney cleaned regularly. Creosote buildup from burning wood can ignite your roof, chimney, even the whole house
• Use fireplace screens to confine sparks and embers
• Always supervise children when a fire is burning in the fireplace
• Do not allow children to light the fire

Space Heaters

• Remember space heaters need space!
• When selecting an alternative heater, look for one that has been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
• Read and follow the manufacturers recommendations and directions on all appliances. A good practice is to read aloud the instructions and warning labels to all members of the household to be certain that everyone understands how the heater is to be operated safely. Keep the owner’s manual in a convenient place to refer to when needed
• Make sure your alternative heaters have "tip switches." These "tip switches" are designed to automatically turn off the heater if the heater gets knocked over
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Some heaters have very hot surfaces. Heaters could operate in a manner that is unsafe if children are permitted to either adjust the controls or jar the heater
• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unventilated, fuel-burning space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion. Even vented heaters require ventilation for proper combustion
• Never use a space heater overnight in the room where you are sleeping. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could accumulate from fuel-fired heaters, or uncontrolled burning could cause a fire
• Never use or store flammable liquids (such as gasoline) around a space heater. The flammable vapors can flow from one part of the room to another and be ignited by the open flame or by the electrical circuit of an electric heater
• Place heaters at least 3 feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire
• Never leave a burning heater unattended. Extinguish your heater if you’re leaving the room or area for more than a few minutes. Never use a space heater while you’re sleeping or bedridden
• Be sure the location you choose can be ventilated according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Do not place a heater in a doorway, hall, or walkway where it is likely to be bumped