Alternative Heater Safety

Life-Saving Tips

•    Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.  Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.  Consider installing a one-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.  If you cannot afford a fire alarm, the Peru Fire Department will provide you with one free of charge.

•   Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas.  If you use a kerosene heater, use only the recommended fuel.  Always refuel outdoors safely away from your home.

•   Allow your heater to cool before refueling and only refuel outdoors.

•   Keep the fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.

•   Clean your chimney regularly - chimney tar build-up can ignite your chimney, roof and the whole house.

•   Space heaters need space.  Keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.

•   When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.

•   Carefully follow manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions.

•   For wood stove fuel use only seasoned wood, not green wood, artificial logs or trash.

•   In case of fire, stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke and have an escape plan already worked out.  Get out, stay out.