West Virginia Fire Safety Resource
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Risk Factors > WV at Risk > Causes > Cooking > Smoking > Electrical > Heating > Arson
Heating fires
Prevent fires around heating sources
Whether you have central heating, gas, or electric, make sure that your heating system is maintained, cleaned and checked yearly.
- Have a qualified heating contractor inspect your furnace or boiler annually.
- Clean the filter or replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
Be safe
- Keep at least three feet between heaters and anything that can burn.
- Keep objects like furniture, bedding and clothing away from radiators and space heaters.
- Only use space heaters when you are not in the room and turn them off before you go to sleep.
Stoves and ovens are for cooking
Stoves and ovens are not made to be sources of heat. If you need help with your heating bill you may be eligible for assistance through: West Virginia Low Income Energy Assistance Program.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) kills
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue.
The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Prevent CO poisoning
If you have fuel-burning appliances, install a carbon monoxide detector in or near sleeping areas to alert you in case of CO leaks.
- Make sure your house has proper ventilation when using any fuel-burning equipment (kerosene heaters, woodstoves, gas space heaters, etc.)
- Only use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer of your heater or stove
Storage near heating sources
Avoid using or storing these products near the furnace:
- gasoline, and empty gas cans
- paint stripper
- fabric or water softener
- bleach
- adhesives
- salt for melting ice
The chlorine or fluorine in these items can lead to furnace corrosion, creating a fire hazard.
Learn more
To learn more about heating and fire prevention, visit the Heating Safety and the Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning segments of the Home Safety course on this Web site.
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