Skip to main content

Fire safety

Portable heater tips

Here are some tips to help you prevent heating-related fires in your home.  

Photo of a blanket on a space heater on fire.
  • Keep portable heaters three feet from anything that can start on fire like furniture and blankets. 
  • Do not use your space heater to dry wet items like mittens or towels.
  • Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, never plug it into an extension cord. 
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
  • Have your home heating system and chimney cleaned and inspected annually. 
  • Make sure your wood stove is properly installed and ventilated.

Did you know?

  • Most home fires occur in the winter and peak in January.
  • Most Minnesota heating fires occur  in fireplaces and chimneys