Space heater tips from Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service

With winter and cold weather coming on; the Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service offers the following Space heater safety tips:

* Space heaters need space. Place space heaters at least three
feet away from anything that could potentially burn; in all directions.
This includes beds, sheets, curtains and furniture.

* Never wear loose fitting clothes or night gowns near space
heaters.

* Never use an electric space heater in the bathroom or near
water.

* Never place anything on top of a space heater. Don=t attempt to
use space heaters to dry items.

* Never leave space heaters unattended. If you leave the room for
an extended period be sure to turn the heater off.

* Purchase space heaters with automatic Atip switches@. These
switches turn the heater off in the event the heater is knocked over.

* Use only space heaters that have been tested and approved by an
accredited laboratory.

* Space heaters need to be properly cleaned, maintained and free
from dust, lint, paper, etc..

* Check the wires on electric space heaters. Be sure the wires are
not frayed, broken or exposed.  Never place a rug or carpet over the wires.

* Keep the room well ventilated if you are using a kerosene space
heater. Overexposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal.

* Before refueling, be sure that the heater is cooled, use the
proper fuel for refueling, and always refuel the heater outside.

* Have a working smoke detector on every level of your home.

* Plan and practice home exit drills with your family in the event
of fire.
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