Use Your Kerosene Heater Safely

There is a risk of fire and potential health hazards from the indoor air pollution associated with kerosene heaters. If you own a kerosene heater, be sure that you use only water-clear 1 K grade kerosene. It releases fewer pollutants, posing less of a health risk.

Gasoline should never be used in place of, or mixed with kerosene. Even small amounts of gasoline or other volatile fuels or solvents mixed with kerosene can considerably increase the risk of a fire or an explosion.

When storing kerosene, make sure that it is in a container intended for kerosene, not a gasoline can, or a container that has had gasoline in it. By doing this, you will avoid accidental contamination of fuel or using the wrong fuel by mistake. Containers for kerosene are usually blue, while gasoline containers are usually red.

Refuel your heater after it has been turned off and allowed to cool, and make sure you do it outdoors. Do not fill the fuel tank above the "full" mark. This allows room for the fuel to expand without causing leakage while the heater is operating.

If a fire occurs, do not attempt to move or carry the heater. This will only make the fire worse. If the heater has a manual shut-off switch, activate it. If the fire is not extinguished, leave the house immediately and call the fire department. If you have a kerosene heater, you should install at least one smoke detector on each level of the house, or near each sleeping area.

Make sure that your heater is maintained properly and operate it according to the included instructions. Although they are efficient in burning fuel, they do produce low levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even low levels of these pollutants are harmful, especially if you have chronic respiratory or circulatory health problems.

Operate your heater in a room that is open to the rest of the house, or if you must use it in a closed room, leave an outside window open at least an inch to permit fresh air to weaken the pollutants so they are not as harmful. Make sure the wick is clean and is set at the proper level as recommended by the manufacturer.

Kerosene heaters can effectively heat your home as long as they are operated according to the safety guidelines. Using the proper fuel and operating it in a well-ventilated area will reduce the risk of fire and potential health effects from indoor pollution.