- Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths, and injuries. December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires.
- Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment like furnaces, fireplaces, or space heaters. Keep children and pets a safe distance away.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
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Learn MoreWinter Weather Safety
Heating Safety
Fire Safety
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Moisten cigarette butts before discarding.
Winter Storm Safety
- Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow to provide easy access to your home.
- Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.
- Have flashlights, battery-powered lighting, and fresh batteries on hand in case the power goes out. Never use candles!
- Stay aware of winter weather. Watch for bulletins online or on TV or radio news.
- Check on neighbors and others who may need help.
- Generators should be used outdoors, away from windows and doors. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open. Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
- If the heat stops working, use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep
- anything that can burn at least three feet away.