Heating Equipment and Fire Safety

Heating equipment remains a leading cause of home fires and residential fire deaths. Therefore, the following Fire Safety information with regard to heating equipment is provided.

1. A qualified serviceperson should check heating equipment for proper operation prior to the start of every heating season.
2. Prior to using a fireplace at the start of every season, have the chimney inspected by a professional and cleaned if necessary. Burn only seasoned firewood in the fireplace.
3. Electric Space Heaters should not be used unless they bear the label of an independent testing agency, have a tip over switch that will shut the unit off if knocked over and have a wire grill to keep fingers and flammables away from the hot heating elements.
4. Electric Space Heaters must not be left unattended and must be positioned at least 36 inches away from all flammable materials such as curtains, drapes, newspapers, furniture, etc. Electric Space Heaters should be plugged directly into electrical receptacles without utilizing extension cords.
5. The use of Portable Kerosene Heaters is prohibited in all occupancies except one and two family dwellings pursuant to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. However, although these heaters are permitted in one and two family dwellings, the Chatham Borough Bureau of Fire Safety does not recommend them and strongly discourages their use because of dangers associated with them.