The Firefighter's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) reminds New Yorkers to be mindful of home heating safety precautions and carbon monoxide risks as temperatures continue to dip across the state. (Sun File Photo)

NEW YORK — As we turn up the heat, it is crucial to ensure that there are working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the home and outside of sleeping areas. These devices can be the difference between life and death. We want all New Yorkers to be fire-safe this winter and remember if there is a fire, get out, stay out, and call 911.”

Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation to help curb the preventable deaths caused by space heater fires. Legislation (S.7863A/A.9181B) requires that space heaters sold in New York State have a thermostat, automatic shut off, and be certified by a testing and certification body recognized and approved by the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Home heating tips from FASNY and the NFPA

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment. Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. Never use your oven to heat your home.

Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Always use the right kind of fuel specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the approximately 85,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State.  For more information, visit FASNY.com.

-Information provided by FASNY