"Space heaters need space." Heaters should be at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including the walls, curtains, and bedding.

Never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.

Electrical and kerosene heaters should be equipped with a cutoff device that will automatically shut off if the unit is tipped over or over heats.

Kerosene and natural gas heaters should not be used in an enclosed area unless they are vented or a window is partially opened to let fresh air in. This prevents the possible buildup of carbon monoxide. If you choose to install carbon monoxide detectors, choose models that are UL-listed, with a digital readout. Follow manufacturer's directions for proper placement.

Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

Have a professional inspect and service your central heating unit each year. Keep the area around the unit clear and clean filters regularly. Never use heater/AC or water heater closets for storage.

FIREPLACES 

Make certain that you open the flue in your fireplace before lighting a fire.

Fires should not be started on the floor of the fireplace. Use a basket-type grate to actually hold the logs.

Only burn hardwoods such as oak, maple, or ash in fireplaces. Soft woods such as pine or cedar generate too much heat for most residential fireplaces. Use only dry wood; wet wood causes excess smoke and leaves creosote deposits. If synthetic logs are used, burn only one log at a time. Due to their construction, these logs produce a hotter fire than most firewood.

Christmas trees and holiday greenery should not be burned in the fireplace.

Do not burn paper in the fireplace. Newspaper or gift wrap burns too quickly and can overheat the fireplace. Burning paper can be carried up the chimney, possible igniting any creosote deposits that are in the chimney.

Never use lighter fluid, gasoline, charcoal or any flammable liquids to start or enhance a fire. Use wood or fan the embers to revive a fire.

Chimneys should be professionally inspected each year and cleaned after burning approximately one cord of wood or at least once a year. Fires generate creosote, which can lead to a chimney fire if allowed to build up.

Outside fires can be caused by sparks flying up the chimney. A spark arrestor is simply a metal screen that covers the top of the chimney and prevents sparks from escaping. It also will keep birds from building nests in the chimney.

Use a metal fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying out.

Make sure fires are out before going to bed or leaving the house.

Avoid wearing loose, flowing clothing near the fire.

Keep children away from the fireplace at all times.

Never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force carbon monoxide into the house.

Always cool the ashes before you take them out of the fireplace. Place the ashes in a metal container and allow them to sit for several days or wet down thoroughly before putting them into a trash container or dumpster.