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There are Several Ways to Heat Your Home. Here is How to do it Safely:

For years, families have used alternative heating sources like space heaters and stoves to maintain warmth while reducing utility costs. However, alternative heat sources can present safety challenges for your family.

Space Heaters: Space heaters have been around for a long time and may be electric or kerosene.

• The model should be tested and approved by an independent testing lab.
• All heating elements should have a safety guard.
• The unit should include an automatic safety switch that will turn off the appliance if it is accidentally tipped over.
• Turn off all space heaters when leaving the room.
• Never use gasoline in a kerosene unit. Use only what the manufacturer recommends.
• Kerosene heaters should only be used in a well-ventilated area away from flames or other heat sources.

Wood burning or pellet stoves: A wood burning stove uses dried wood and manufactured fire logs to release heat. Pellet stoves use a pellet-shaped product made of building waste materials such as sawdust.

• Before buying a stove, check with your local fire department to get local ordinances on solid fuel burning appliances.
• Be sure the unit has been tested and listed with a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Follow all manufacturers’ directions paying close attention to clearance requirements. If there are no manufacturers’ instructions or a label on the unit, the NFPA suggests clearances should be 36“ or 1 meter away from any type of combustible item (curtains, floor coverings, etc.)
• Install a floor protector that meets the heating appliance manufacturer’s requirements, and extends at least 18 inches on all sides of the heater, unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

Solid Fuel Units: Solid fuel units require more maintenance than other types of heating systems and regular maintenance is vital to their efficiency and safe operation.

Although professional maintenance is recommended at least annually, there are some areas you should review on a regular basis and when necessary, consult a professional:

• Look for cracks or breaks in the joints or welds of the unit. If you find any, have a qualified professional repair them immediately. Do not use the unit until the repairs are made.
• Check the condition of your firebrick liner in your stove. If the liner appears to be wearing out, have it replaced and discontinue use of the stove until it is replaced.
• A stovepipe can deteriorate and should be replaced if it is suspected of burning out.

Fireplaces: The fireplace is a traditional place to cozy up on a long winter’s night but maintenance is the key to keeping your family safe. Before the start of the heating season, have the chimney cleaned and inspected by qualified professional. Your chimney may need to be cleaned more than once a year depending on your individual use.

• Check all flues and chimneys before the heating season for leakage or blockage by creosote or debris
• Be sure the damper is open before lighting a fire and keep it open until ashes are cool. Never close it if ashes are still warm.
• Clean out fireplace and store ashes outdoors away from combustibles in a fire proof or fire resistant container covering it with a lid.

Finally, Make sure to store all fuel in a responsible manner to reduce the possibility of accidental ignition.

For additional general information about alternate heat resources check the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) at http://www.disastersafety.org or the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) at http://www.nfpa.org. For more information on specific stoves check the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov for any manufacturers’ recall notices on your stove, furnace or heating device.

Contact

Brad Hilliard, State Farm Public Affairs, (503) 463-3893

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