Heating malfunction, electrical failure and lack of maintenance are major contributing factors in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The loss of life and property resulting from heating fires can be prevented by being able to identify potential hazards and following the safety tips contained in this section.

Heating Systems

• Cold weather means many residents will turn on heating systems that have not been used since the previous spring.
• Before turning on that heating system, check it for proper operation and safety. A family member can do this, but remember to read and follow all instructions carefully.
• Manufacturer’s instructions are usually located on the inside door cover near the pilot light.
• If the instructions cannot be found or there are questions about what should be done, call a professional service person or someone qualified to ensure the job is done correctly.
• Filters should be changed at the beginning of the season and then checked monthly to make sure they are not clogged or blocking air flow.
• Most furnace fires begin in the cold hours before dawn when the furnace must work the hardest.

Heaters

Wall Heaters

• Wall heaters should be checked for proper ignition and ventilation. Soot or black marks on the wall can mean that the burner jets are dirty or not adjusted to burn the fuel properly. This means higher amounts of carbon monoxide are being created.
• Without ventilation to the outside, carbon monoxide fumes accumulate inside the home. A flushed face or a slight headache can be the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If this happens, get everyone out of the house and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's phone.

Portable Heaters

• Space heaters need at least three feet of space between the heater and combustibles like drapes, furniture and beds.
• Make sure small children cannot get near space heaters. Touching them can cause skin burns.
• As with any electrical appliance, check the cord to make sure it is not frayed or worn.
• Never touch an electric space heater with wet hands when in contact with water.
• Never leave a space heater on when sleeping or when the house is vacant. Turn off when you leave the room.
• Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory
• Place on a solid flat surface
• Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn heater off if it tips over
• Never block an exit
• Plug heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord
• Make sure small children cannot get near space heaters. Touching them can cause skin burns.
• As with any electrical appliance, check the cord to make sure it is not frayed or worn.
• Never touch an electric space heater with wet hands when in contact with water.

Kerosene Heaters

• The City of Carlsbad Fire Department does not recommend the use of kerosene heaters in homes.
• If a kerosene heater is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Use only the manufacturer's approved fuel. Store the fuel outside the house and always let the heater cool before filling it outside the home.
• Kerosene heaters must have adequate ventilation because they use up oxygen inside a room as they operate.

Fireplaces

• It is important to have gas and wood burning fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually.
• Chimneys can have build up of dirt, dust, ash and creosote and nesting material from animals 
• Carbon monoxide detectors should be present in any room with a fir place and along with smoke detectors, should be tested monthly

Charcoal Briquettes & Barbecues

Charcoal briquettes and barbecues never should be used for cooking or heating inside the home or any other enclosed area, as they can quickly fill a closed space with deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

Please read below for some important safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season. You may also refer to the National Fire Protection Association website for more tips. 

Decorate safely

If you’re taking your holiday decorations to new heights, be sure to check out our safety tips before stepping foot on a ladder.

• Use ladders on a steady surface
• Always have three points of contact (two feet and one hand)
• Never reach while on a ladder
• Wear appropriate footware
• Avoid using metal ladders near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment
• An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend 3’ft above the point of support

Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires:

• Do not overload electrical outlets this holiday season
• Check lighting instructions for the maximum light strands to connect (usually no more than three)
• Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances
• All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet
• Only plug one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Relying heavily on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets

December is the peak month for home candle fires. More than one third of home candle fires start in the bedroom and three out of five candle fires start when flammable items are too close to the candle. Candles are pretty to look at, but it is so important to handle candles with care. Follow these simple steps before lighting up your home:

• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Keep candles away from kids and pets
• Keep candles away from flammable items
• Place candles at least 3 inches apart
• Never leave candles burning over night

Holiday tree fires are rare but serious. One out of four of these fires is caused by a heat source too close to the tree and/or an electrical malfunction. As you deck the halls this holiday season, be sure you are fire smart:

• When choosing a tree, look for ones that are green with pliable needles. If you have an artificial tree make sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• Cut one to two inches off the end of the trunk and score the base. This will allow the tree to absorb more water. Water frequently.
• Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source and make sure it is not blocking an exit.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.  It is also important to note if the lights are for indoor or outdoor use.
• When stringing the lights on the tree, be careful of placement.  Keep all bulbs turned away from gifts and paper ornaments.  Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations at the end of the night or when leaving the home.  A short circuit in any of this equipment could cause a fire.
• Keep children away from light sets and electrical decorations. All lights present a hazard for curious kids.

After the holidays

• Dispose of the tree as soon as it begins to drop needles.  Dried-out trees create a serious fire danger and should not be left inside the home or garage, or left outside, against the home.  Check the City of Carlsbad home page for information on tree recycling.

Halloween safety

• Ensure proper costume fit to prevent tripping and falling.
• Purchase only flame retardant costumes and masks.
• When trick-or-treating, wear something reflective, carry a flashlight or glowstick, and travel in groups.
• Check all treats carefully before eating them.  Throw away unwrapped candy and fruit.
• Do not use a candle to light a jack-o-lantern.  It is safest to use a flashlight or battery operated candle.
• Never use combustible materials in a haunted house, especially styrofoam or other plastics, gauze like materials and other loose flammables such as leaves and papers.  These materials can quickly cause the spread of fire.

Fourth of July

The City of Carlsbad explicitly prohibits the sale or use of any fireworks.  Only those people who have special licenses are allowed "Controlled" fireworks displays.  Please consult the newspaper or local activity calendar for approved, licensed fireworks displays in and around the City of Carlsbad.  Residents can report illegal use of fireworks by calling 9-1-1.