Terms Search Tips Targeted Search by Area Website FAQs Notice of SAI Plus enforcement action. The blast of cold air that sent Texans looking for coats last week also should inspire us to think about home heating safety, according to State Fire Marshal G. Mike Davis. Home heating fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes and the leading cause of house fires in December and January. Home heating fires killed 15 people in Texas in 1998.
Space heaters are the primary means of heating in many Texas homes.
Heating safety in these homes requires correct installation, maintenance, fueling and operation of portable, or space, heaters. Keep the heaters at least three feet away from anything that might burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets, and people. Make sure that everyone knows how dangerous it is to dry clothing over these heaters or place combustible materials near them. Before using electric space heaters for the first time each season, check for fraying or splitting wires and overheating. If there are problems, have them fixed by a professional, or buy a new heater.