Washington Insurance Council

                  Consumer Alert

Contact: Karl Newman, President
Darrin Sanger, Communications Director     

Washington Insurance Council    
Phone: (206) 624-3330
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@wiconline.org
darrin.sanger@wiconline.org

Kerosene heaters can cost you comfort during the winter months

SEATTLE – While evening temperatures continue to dip near freezing levels, kerosene heaters can add warmth and reduce energy bills.  However, the added comfort could cause fires or even death if you don’t take safety precautions during the cold months.

Here are a few safety tips when using a kerosene heater:

• Place heaters near the center of rooms away from furniture, drapes and other combustibles.
• Children and pets should be kept a safe distance from heaters. Be sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions while using a kerosene heater. Maintain a constant source of fresh air. 
• Make sure rooms are adequately ventilated before using heaters.  Kerosene heaters consume oxygen as they burn.  If they are operated in a small room or in an inadequate ventilated place, oxygen levels could be reduced to dangerous levels.  Keeping doors to other rooms open will help provide more fresh air.

If you’re thinking about buying a kerosene heater, make sure you know what type of kerosene heater you need.  There are two types of portable kerosene heaters – convective and radiant. 

Convective kerosene heaters are circular in shape and designed to heat large areas or even several rooms.  Warm air is circulated upward and outward.  Because of its high output, a convective heater should not be used to heat smaller rooms.

Radiant heaters are normally rectangular in shape and are designed for smaller areas. These heaters are also equipped with a reflector, which directs heat toward people or objects.

Prior to purchasing a kerosene heater, make sure it displays a seal of approval, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.  The UL Label means the heater has performed well under test conditions and meets acceptable fire safety standards.

Consumers can request a free kerosene heater safety brochure by contacting the Washington Insurance Council at (206) 624-3330 or (800) 664-4942.

The Washington Insurance Council is a nonprofit, consumer education organization funded by member insurance companies.

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