Dallas Fire Rescue offers tips for safe use of space heaters

Dallas Fire Rescue,

November 19, 2007

Make sure the space heater includes a tip-over switch that shuts it off automatically if it accidentally turns over.
Make sure the heater has an element guard that prevents little fingers from straying onto hot coils.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from draperies, blankets, sofas and other potential flammable articles.
Do not go to sleep with the heater on, or leave a heater untended.
Test all smoke detectors monthly.
If you are unable to afford a smoke detector Dallas Fire-Rescue will provide and install one for you. Dial 3-1-1.
Place carbon monoxide detectors outside of sleeping areas.
Buy a heater that is tested by an independent laboratory.
A kitchen stove or oven is not a safe or reliable home heating source.
Have your gas heater serviced annually by a licensed HVAC professional.
Practice and discuss with all family members, a plan to evacuate your residence in case of an emergency.

For people who heat their homes with space heaters:

Turn off heaters when you aren't in the room or when you go to sleep. Don't leave children or pets alone in rooms where space heaters are in use.
Make sure that everyone knows how dangerous it is to dry clothing over space heaters or place combustible materials within a three- foot radius of the space heater.
Prior to using an electric space heaters for the first time each season, check for fraying or splitting wires and overheating. Have a professional fix any problems, or buy a new heater.
When using heaters that burn propane or natural gas, the STATE FIRE MARSHALL'S office recommends these practices:
Make sure there is an adequate air supply. Without it, house heaters can produce carbon monoxide. If you are using an unventilated space heater without an oxygen depletion sensor, keep a window or door cracked enough to let fresh air in.
Make sure that pilot lights are working properly. If your heater has a pilot light and you can't keep it lit, or if the control is hard to operate, have it repaired. All heater inspections and or repairs should be made by licensed HVAC professionals.
Turn off the heater: (1) If you smell fumes, your eyes sting, or you feel dizzy or nauseated. (2) If there is a yellow or fluttering flame. (3) If the vent isn't drawing.
NEVER use space heaters with broken or out-of-place ceramic radiant. If you smell a strong gas odor, turn off pilot light, don't flip any electrical switches (such as room lights) and call your gas company from another location. Even flipping light switches or making a phone call can make small sparks that could ignite the gas.
NEVER store or use flammable liquids such as gasoline, cleaning fluid or paint thinner near heaters.
NEVER use the kitchen stove or a grill or other outdoor fuel-burning apparatus to heat your house.