Kerosene Heater Safety

Wednesday October 3, 2018

According to the National Fire Protection Association, supplemental heating equipment, such as a kerosene heater, is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February.

If you plan to use a kerosene heater to help heat your home this fall or winter, use extreme caution. Home heating equipment trails only cooking equipment as the leading cause of home fires year-round.

Some tips for safely using your kerosene heater:

• Kerosene heaters require 1-K grade kerosene. Never use a substitute, such as gasoline or camp stove fuel. In kerosene heaters, such fuels will start a fire or explode.

• Check the wick every week during the heating season. If it's dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Never attempt to move a lighted kerosene heater. Extinguish the flame and allow the heater to cool before moving.

• Never refuel a kerosene heater inside or when the heater is still hot. Wait for it to cool.

• Kerosene heaters have a constant open flame and should not be used in a room where there are flammable solvents, aerosol sprays, lacquers, gasoline, kerosene containers or any type of oil.

• Keep kerosene heaters at least three feet away from all furniture, curtains, papers, clothes, bedding, and other combustible materials.

• Keep children and pets away from kerosene heaters. Touching any part of an operating heater above the open flame could result in a serious burn.

• Always turn off your kerosene heater when unattended and at night.

• Never smoke when refueling a kerosene heater.

• Clean up any kerosene spills immediately. Spills are a fire hazard. • Never store kerosene in a container previously used to store other liquids. Be sure the container is suitable for kerosene storage and properly marked.

If you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. “It is vital to test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.” says Jim Cook, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at the tri-county health department. “Try to remember to replace them on the first day of spring, and on the first day of autumn.” All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside. Each winter season have your furnace system and vent checked by a qualified technician to ensure they are functioning properly.