Protecting Utah
Heating Safety
![Woman turns on a space heater.](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/iStock-905477424-1024x727.jpg)
Did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? And that half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February?
Follow these safety tips and precautions so you can be both warm AND safe this winter.
![Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or space heater](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/3feetburn-1024x250.jpg)
![Have a 3 foot "kid-free" zone around open fires and space heaters](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/kidfree-1024x250.jpg)
![Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to local codes and manufacturer's instructions](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/professionalinstall-1024x250.jpg)
![Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/turnoff-1024x250.jpg)
![Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every years by a qualified professional](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/cleaned-1024x250.jpg)
![Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/rightfuel-1024x250.jpg)
![Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/screen-1024x250.jpg)
![Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.](https://site.utah.gov/dps-news/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/01/ashes-1024x250.jpg)
Source: National Fire Protection Association
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