Practice Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety During Cold Weather

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

A grey space heater in an office type setting. The space heater is sitting in a safe distance away from all objects that could catch on fire.

Winter is soon to come, and with winter it brings wind, snow, and freezing temperatures. When it’s really cold outside some offices and homes are just not as warm as you would like them. Instead of turning up the furnace, many people choose to add a space heater.

If, for some reason, your electricity goes out and you need to use a generator, you need to know all the safety measures when using one.

When using a space heater or a generator, there is more to it than just plugging it in and walking away. You need to understand all the safety precautions, such as how to prevent fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and so much more. Here are just a few tips on what to do and not to do.

Space Heaters:

• Keep combustibles at least three feet away

• Use a wall outlet and never a power strip

• DO NOT leave running unattended or for prolonged periods in a confined space to reduce hyperthermia hazards

Generators:

• Use portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet from the home, and direct the exhaust away from the home and any other buildings.

• Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed, or garage, even with the door open.

Smoke and CO Alarms:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside each bedroom

• CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas

• Test the alarms every month to make sure they are working