(This press release template was created for distribution to Fire Marshals across the country, for their individual local use.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fire Marshal Offers Guidelines For Selecting Portable Kerosene Heaters
CITY, STATE (Release Date) — As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to fall, homeowners are anticipating the cold winter which lies ahead. Due to the high prices of energy, many consumers are now exploring alternate ways of home heating.
Fire Marshal ___________________ of _____________ today cautioned those homeowners considering the use of portable kerosene-fueled room heaters to select units which are equipped with appropriate safety features.
“There are a wide variety of portable space heaters available, but not all heaters are appropriate for residential use, ” Marshal __________ said. “Be sure to select a heater that has an automatic extinguishing device. Certification by a nationally-recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, is an indication of reliable design and performance.”
Marshal ____________ suggested that consumers check heaters for sufficient labeling and instructions at time of purchase to ensure proper use. If instructions or warnings are not clear, proper operating procedures should be immediately reviewed with the store dealer.
Marshal ____________ provided these commonsense guidelines for consumers:
- — Be sure the heater design will not allow flooding of the burner. Models with a wick meet this requirement.
- — Ask your dealer to demonstrate what happens if the heater is jarred or tipped over. Heaters suitable for home use should have a safety shut-off device which automatically snuffs out the flame if the heater is tipped. No significant amount of kerosene should spill if the heater is laid on its side.
- — The heater should have a low center of gravity to make accidental tip-overs unlikely.
- — Check construction for durability. The heater should be made of heavy-gauge steel and have features such as double walls or protecting grills to guard against contact burns.
- — The fuel feed should be located below the burner. The fuel should be contained in a sturdy tank that will not shatter and spill if dropped.
- — A fuel gauge should be provided to prevent overfilling or unnecessary refilling. A siphon pump provided with a kerosene heater will help prevent accidental fueling spills.
- — Check for a push-button lighting device which eliminates the need for matches.
- — Burner design should provide such complete and efficient combustion that there should be no detectable odor or smoke during operation.
- — Have your dealer demonstrate lighting and operating procedures.
Contact: Name, phone, email
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