Heating Safety

Keep your home warm and fire safe this winter. Scroll down for safety tips on starting up and using furnaces, space heaters, fireplaces and heating stoves.

.

Gas and Electric Furnaces

  • Gas and electric furnaces need to be inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when turning it on of off.
  • Run your gas or electric furnace on a warm day and open all the windows to burn off dust and build up.This may cause a burnt smell and light haze of white smoke when first operated for the season. This smell and haze are not harmful, and will take several uses before all the dust and dirt on the heating unit are burnt away.
  • To be safe, if the smoke turns black and the furnace starts to rumble leave the building immediately and call the fire department by dialing 911.  

Electric Space Heaters and Warmers

  • The use of kerosene heaters is illegal in New York City.
  • Barbecues produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and should never be used indoors or as a heating device. <more>
  • Space heaters need space. Keep Electric heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
  • Keep children and pets well away from electric space heaters.
  • Electric Space heaters should only be used for a limited time each day. Turn off and unplug the unit when not in use - when you leave the room, go to bed or leave your house or apartment.
  • Never use electric space heaters to dry clothing or other combustibles.
  • Let the electric space heater cool down before storing it.
  • Only buy and use electric space heaters, blankets and warmers that have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standard mark. 
  • Electric space heaters or blankets with frayed or damaged cords should never be used.
  • Never connect electric space heaters or blankets to an outlet with an extension cord.
  • Be sure that a qualified technician installs or checks that the unit has been installed properly.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when turning the unit on or off. 

Fireplaces and Chimneys

  • Fireplaces and Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually by a professional chimney sweep.
  • Before using the fireplace for the first time this season, make sure the flue is open. The flue is a trap door that keeps heat out in the summer and cool air from coming in when the fireplace is not in use.
  • You can check it by looking up the chimney to see if you are able to see daylight.
  • If there are any obstructions, remove them. If not removed, these obstructions will cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless and invisible gas.
  • Artificial logs made from wax and sawdust should be used one at a time.
  • Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in stoves or fireplaces because it contains toxic chemicals that can make you sick.
  • Don't burn newspapers or other trash in a fireplace because they burn too hot and can ignite a chimney fire.
  • Never leave a fireplace unattended.

Wood and Coal Burning Stoves

  • Wood and coal stoves need to be cleaned annually.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Use coal only if specifically approved by the stove manufacturer.
  • Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be used to start a wood fire since it might explode or flare up.
  • The directions on artificial logs made from wax and sawdust say they should be used one at a time in fireplaces and never used in wood stoves. This is because the heat can melt the log causing it to flare up or leak burning liquid from the appliance.
  • Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in stoves or fireplaces because it contains toxic chemicals that can make you sick.
  • Never leave stoves unattended.

These fire safety tips are made possible through the generosity of our donors. You can help too by making an online contribution. In turn, we’ll use your gift to continue funding the critical life-saving programs and services of the FDNY and EMS.