According to the National Fire Protection Agency, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost one half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February. Mariposa County Fire shares the following tips to help you safely heat your home and prevent fires, burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Portable Space Heater

•Make sure your heater has been tested for safety. Look on the bottom for a label such as ETL, UL or CSA. Purchase a portable space heater with an automatic shut-off so if tipped over it will shut off.

•Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn – including furniture, people, pets and curtains.

•Supervise children and pets at all times when a space heater is in use.

•Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.

•Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

•Burn only seasoned hardwood like oak, ash or maple. DO NOT burn trash, cardboard boxes or Christmas trees because these items burn unevenly, and may contain poisons or cause a home fire.

•Have a professional chimney sweep inspect chimneys every year. Creosote logs can be used to help reduce the build-up of creosote in fireplaces. Check labels to make sure the log has been tested and approved by UL. This does not replace having your fireplace inspected by a professional each year.

•Open flues before fireplaces are used

•Use sturdy screens or glass doors to keep embers inside fireplaces.

•Allow wood stove and fireplace ashes to cool before disposing of them in a tightly covered metal container. Keep the container at least 10 feet away from your home.

Fire Escape Plans: Remember, every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

•Practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities. It’s also a good idea to practice your plan with overnight guests.

•Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.

•Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them monthly.

Practicing some simple safety steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening. To further our efforts in keeping our community safe, please share with others. You could possibly save a life.