About 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 20,000 are injured.
You can stop the fire before it starts. Use this fact sheet to learn how
to prevent a fire in your home and know what to do if you have a fire.
Stop an alternative heater fire before it starts:
- Kerosene heaters are not allowed in most places.
- If you use a kerosene heater, only use the type of fuel listed in the instructions.
- Allow your heater to cool before refueling and only refuel outdoors.
- Keep the fire inside the fireplace by making sure you have a fireplace screen large enough to stop flying sparks and rolling logs.
- Have your chimney inspected at least once a year. Tar build-up inside of the chimney can cause the chimney, roof, and the whole house to go up in flames.
- Space heaters need space. Keep items at least three feet away from each heater.
- When buying a space heater, only buy one with a safety feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
- Carefully follow manufacturers� set up and maintenance instructions.
- For wood stove fuel, use only seasoned wood�never use green wood, artificial logs, or trash. Seasoned wood looks dark, or gray when compared to green wood. Seasoned wood is white on the inside.
Be prepared for a fire:
- One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a “Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm.” A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.
- Prepare an escape plan and practice it often. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two (2) escape routes from their bedrooms.