Proper Usage & Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. When used improperly, space heaters that are gas-fueled, kerosene-fueled, or electric, fixed or portable, wood stoves and fireplaces all can lead to serious injury or death. 

Such disasters can be prevented by utilizing the following safety tips: 

• When buying a portable or fixed space heater, make sure it carries the mark of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when utilizing home heating equipment. Make sure that wood stoves are properly installed.
• Have your fireplace, wood, or coal stove professionally inspected each year and be certain the unit is cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.
• Keep portable space heaters at least 3-feet from anything that can burn.
• When buying space heaters, make sure that they include an automatic shutoff feature in case the unit becomes over heated or tips over.
• Be sure any gas-fueled heating device is properly ventilated to protect from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The City of Liberty Fire Department urges all residents of the City of Liberty to use extreme caution when using space heaters. Contact the Fire Department at 816-439-4310 if you have any questions.