As winter night temperatures continue to dip to the freezing mark and below, residents of Charlotte are continuing to look for ways to keep their families and homes warm.  The Charlotte Fire Department reminds you to follow these simple heating safety rules when using portable or alternative heating appliances:

·        Never use fuel-burning appliances without proper ventilation.  Burning fuel such as coal, kerosene, wood, charcoal or propane can produce deadly Carbon Monoxide 

·        Store kerosene in approved, clearly labeled containers outside of the house

·        Do Not use gasoline in a kerosene heater

·        Never re-fuel a kerosene heater while it is hot, let it cool completely and then refill it outside of the house

·        Allow at least 3 feet of clear distance in all directions between portable heaters and all combustible materials

·        Only use portable heating appliances tested and approved by an independent- nationally recognized testing laboratory

·        Operate all portable heating appliances in accordance with the manufactures directions

·        Never attempt to move a kerosene heater that is in use or hot

·        While in use portable heaters should always be attended to by a competent adult

·        Never use a portable heater in a bedroom or while sleeping

·        Do not use extension cords to power electric space heaters

·        Never use a propane or charcoal grill inside any building or as a heat source

·        Have chimneys and woodstove pipes inspected by a qualified service technician and cleaned as needed

Use metal containers for ash removal and never put hot ashes into trashcans, dumpsters or near any combustible materials

 Need More Safety Information?  www.charlottefire.org