Fire department: Practice heating safety Published Oct. 4, 2007 Fire Protection Division EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Now that cold weather is upon Edwards, the use of portable heaters is becoming more prevalent in both the work place and in our homes. Along with this increased use comes an increased risk from fire. Statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association indicate that during winter months, the unsafe use of heating equipment, including furnaces and fireplaces, is a major cause of injuries and deaths. In order to ensure the safety of all Team Edwards members, both at work and at home, the following safety tips are provided by the Edwards fire prevention office. Portable heaters In the workplace, the use of heaters fueled by flammable or combustible liquids is prohibited. In the workplace, the unit commander must approve the use of portable heaters, after civil engineer craftsmen have verified the electrical wiring and circuitry is adequate to support the heater. Do not plug portable heaters into modular furniture. This is a very hazardous situation. An approved testing laboratory such as factory mutual or underwriters laboratory must label portable heaters. Portable heaters must be equipped with an automatic tip-over switch, which automatically shuts the unit off if it is knocked over. Maintain a minimum of 18 inches of clearance on all sides of portable heaters Prior to use, ensure portable heaters are in good condition and have not been damaged. Do not use portable heaters in an area such as a hangar or garage that might have a buildup of gasoline vapors or other flammable vapors. At home, be aware of portable heaters that use flammable liquids for fuel, such as kerosene heaters that present a very dangerous asphyxiation hazard. These heaters must be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use fuel other than those recommended by the manufacturer. Always turn the heater off and unplug it when leaving at the end of the day. Where possible, avoid the use of electric portable heaters as they are extremely inefficient and use large amount of electricity. Furnaces At home, check filters on a regular basis. Clean and change the furnace filters whenever a dust buildup occurs. Do not use rooms and closets with the furnace as storage areas. Do not place objects over or around the thermostat if that item might block the flow of air to the thermostat. Fireplaces Have fireplaces or chimneys cleaned and inspected annually before use. Always have a screen or glass enclosure in front of the fireplace to contain sparks and hot embers. For full protection against sparks and embers, it is a good idea to install a fireproof rug in front of the fireplace. Use a noncombustible container for disposal of ashes. Burn only hardwoods; they give the most heat efficiency and produce the least amount of creosote. Never use trash or charcoal as fuel for the fireplace. When starting the fire, open all dampers before lighting. Start the fire with a small amount of paper and kindling. Never use lighter fluid, kerosene, gasoline or other flammable liquid to help ignite the fire. Stay with the fire until it is burning properly and avoid allowing the fire to get too big. Never leave a fire unattended. Keep an extinguisher or a supply of sand on hand to control flames if they get too big. Know how to properly use your fire extinguisher. Never apply water to a hot stove or chimney as thermal shock can cause serious damage. Besides the above tips, make sure all smoke detectors are fully operational by testing them on a monthly basis. Have a family evacuation plan in place and practice it before an emergency occurs. Don't wait until you have a fire to find out that the plan doesn't work. For more information on fire safety issues, call the Fire Protection Division's Technical Services Section at 277-3643 or 277-3124.