Where to Stay

Select a single room in the home in which the entire family can live - ideally a room that gets plenty of sunlight during the day.

Fireplaces

• Use fireplaces and wood burning stoves with care and always supervise them when burning.
• Make sure the fireplace is in proper working condition and has been inspected regularly.
• Never use charcoal as an indoor heat source (charcoal produces deadly carbon monoxide gas).

Gas Heaters

For homes with natural gas heaters, keep meters and vents clear of ice and snow.

Clothing

Wear layers of clothing including sweaters and coats, which hold warm air and help maintain body heat for longer periods.

Safer heating equipment and public awareness of heating fire prevention have substantially decreased the incidence of residential heating fires. Chimney maintenance is now more often the norm rather than the exception. Although the numbers of these fires have decreased, residential building heating fires still affect neighborhoods and communities, and therefore, continue to receive attention within local fire departments and State agencies. This attention is largely because residential building heating fires account for and cause injuries and deaths as well as property damage. Many of these fires can be prevented through proper maintenance and proper use of heating equipment.