Heat It Up
Common sense can prevent a heater fire. All heating systems can start fires if not used and maintained properly. Heating your home during the colder months of the year can prove dangerous, if you do not follow a few simple safety precautions.

Check baseboard heaters often to remove objects that have fallen on top of or near the heater. Remember that any time objects like newspapers, furniture or blankets are close to heaters, a fire can start.

Portable heaters heat up rapidly and, like baseboard heaters, they can easily ignite any flammable item left nearby. Always turn portable heaters off if you leave the room or are going to fall asleep.

When you use your fireplace or wood stove to heat your home, keep the door and or fire screen shut to protect your home from sparks. Only burn dry seasoned wood, never rubbish. Garbage and green wood can cause a chimney fire.  Remember to have your chimney inspected and serviced before each heating season and change the batteries in your smoke alarms too.  A working smoke alarm could save your life.

See Also: Home Heating Safety Factsheet  (PDF)