The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has urged members of the public to use added caution when heating their homes during the winter months. NFPA offered several tips and guidelines for safely heating a home during this time of year.

Heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Anything that can burn should be kept at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters. The right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer, should always be used for fuel-burning space heaters. A 3-foot "kid-free zone" should be created around open fires and space heaters. People should make sure their space heaters are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Portable heaters should be turned off when leaving the room or going to bed.

In addition, fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, which should be placed outside at least 10 feet away from a home. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Individuals should make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are located throughout the home and test them monthly to ensure they are working properly.

If there is a gas smell in a gas heater, the appliance should not be lit. Residents should leave the home immediately and call the local fire department or gas company.

NFPA offers a wealth of home heating safety tips, information, and resources to help better educate the public about ways to safely heat a home. In addition, NFPA's "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" campaign with the U.S. Fire Administration works to promote knowledge of a host of winter safety issues, including home heating. For more information, visit http://www.nfpa.org.