Winter Weather Heating Safety Tips

Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you

Humboldt Sentinel
12/17/08
By Sentinel Staff

EUREKA -- With cold winter temperatures there is an increased use of fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, and other alternative heating methods. Also during these cold winter months, residential fires are more prevalent. This is due in part to an increased number of fires and other emergencies caused by heating appliances.

The following fire safety tips from the Eureka Fire Department can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter:

Install a carbon monoxide detector. Malfunctioning or improperly installed heating appliances can leak carbon monoxide gas, as can generators. Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. Always run generators outside and away from windows and doors.

Keep young children away from heaters and stoves—especially when they are wearing pajamas or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited.

Heaters

- Have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition.

- Maintain a 3-foot separation between things that can burn and heating equipment.

- Check floor heaters to make sure floor coverings or other combustibles do not cover them.

- Install and use space heaters according to manufacturer’s instructions.

- Do not use an extension cord for an electric-powered space heater.

Kerosene Heaters

- When using a fuel-burning appliance, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.

- Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.

- Refueling should be done outside of the home. Never fill the heater while it is operating or hot.

- Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Wood Stoves

- Have the stove and flue inspected and cleaned annually.

- Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly with proper clearances.

- Keep a screen in front of the fireplace opening.

- Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire; use only paper or kindling to start the fire.

- Use only dry, seasoned wood in a fireplace or wood stove to avoid the build-up of creosote. Do not use artificial logs in wood stoves.

- Allow fireplace and woodstoves ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.