Safe Home Heating
The Commonwealth offers many resources on safely heating your home this winter. They are available below or at www.mass.gov (search Department of Fire Services).
- Home Heating Safety (PDF, English)
- Seguridad en la Calefacción del Hogar (PDF, Español)
- Space Heater Safety (PDF)
- Smoke Alarms Save Lives (PDF)
- Carbon Monoxide (PDF)
Chief Godin of Turners Falls Fire Department also offers these tips:
- Unvented, liquid-fueled space heaters are illegal in Massachusetts in places that are used for habitation.
- Smaller electric space heaters should not be placed too close to combustibles including draperies, furniture, bedding and the like.
- Extension cords are NOT recommended, but if one is necessary, make sure it is rated high enough for the power draw (lamp cords will overheat and can cause fires). Cords should NEVER be placed under carpeting.
- Heating units should have an automatic shut-off built in in case they tip over or get knocked over.