Proper installation, use and maintenance of winter heating devices are essential for reducing the risks of fire and carbon-monoxide poisoning.

Home heating fires in Ohio are often caused by human error, particularly through the misuse of portable heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces, according to the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.

In 2006, the last year for which data is available, 10 people died and 56 people were injured in 1,612 heating-related fires in homes throughout Ohio.

The state fire marshal stresses the importance of having a home’s heating system checked annually by a qualified professional. Furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and their chimneys should be inspected and cleaned prior to the start of every heating season.

Be certain that alternate sources of heating, such as portable and kerosene heaters and wood burning stoves, are used according to their instructions and with extreme caution. For any space heater remember, space heaters need space — at least three feet from anything that can burn.

To avoid falling victim to carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, potentially deadly gas produced by fuel-burning equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters, install at least one carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas. Call the fire department if the alarm sounds.

Also, make sure there are working smoke alarms installed on every level of the home and inside each sleeping area to alert you in the event of a fire.

The state fire marshal offers the following additional safety tips to help ensure a fire safe winter.

Fireplaces and Wood Burning Stoves

n Allow enough clearance between a wood burning stove and combustible materials such as walls, floors and ceilings.

n A wood stove should be placed on an approved stove board to protect your floor from heat and hot coals.

n Make sure the flue is open before lighting a fire, and never close the flue while a fire is still smoldering.

n Use a fireplace screen to prevent any sparks from reaching out and igniting nearby objects.

n Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire.

n The immediate area in front of a fireplace (approximately 3 feet) should not have a rug, carpet or exposed wood flooring.