THE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO KEEP YOU SAFE & WARM

 

● Give Space Heaters their space- Keep them at least3 feet away from combustibles-walls, sofas and anything else that will burn

● Space heaters should always be placed on the floor

Never leave children alone in a room with a space heater and do not let children adjust the controls or move the heater

● Open-faced heaters should have a proper screen and grates in place-never operate a defective heater

● Provide adequate ventilation, opening a window slightly (one inch) to prevent carbon monoxide buildup

Never overload outlets or breakers

Don�t hide cords under rugs or carpets. Placing anything on top of the cord could cause it to overheat and can cause a fire

Don�t use an extension cord with the heater. if the cord is hot to the touch, turn off the heater and unplug it!

● Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly. Lint and dust will burn!

● Have your heating system professionally inspected and serviced every year

● Purchase a Carbon Monoxide detector if you use gas or a fireplace for your heating

● Install a Carbon Monoxide dectector in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home

If you use a gas space heater, light the match before you turn on the gas. This avoids the risk of flashback caused by accumulating gas

● According to Houston Fire Department statistics, about 100 fires every year are blamed on faulty furnaces or space heaters