Oklahoma City Fire Issues Warning About Space Headers Ahead Of Winter

Winter simply began and lots of people are pulling out these area heaters, however earlier than you crank up the warmth be sure to are taking the correct security measures.  

The Oklahoma Metropolis Hearth Division advised Information 9 they reply to tons of of home fires through the winter months and a superb portion of them begin with an area heater.  

“We would like everybody to be heat and be secure on the identical time,” mentioned Capt. Scott Douglas with the Oklahoma Metropolis Hearth Division.  

Earlier than you buddle up subsequent to an area heater the fireplace fighters wish to be sure to are maintaining your family members and your house secure.  

“Lots of people wish to bundle up in a blanket and have the area heater proper on them or subsequent to the furnishings. Please maintain these area heaters 3 ft away from something that may burn,” he mentioned.  

One other rule of thumb, skipping the extension wire and plugging them instantly into the wall.  

“House heaters usually trigger some fires or us each hearth season. Sometimes, from December to February we see a spike in our housefires. Final yr, we responded to just about 400 construction fires and about half of those have been attributed to heating fires,” mentioned Capt. Douglas.  

Placing an area heater in a closet to keep away from your pipes freezing may begin a hearth.  

“As quickly as you allow the room and you might be by together with your area heater be sure to by no means go away it unattended. Ensure you unplug it from the wall and also you additionally flip it off simply as an additional security precaution,” he mentioned.    

Earlier than a hearth even begins, be sure your smoke alarm is working.  

“We’re nonetheless responding to housefires the place individuals would not have working smoke alarms of their home. You might have a 50% larger likelihood of survival when you have a working smoke alarm in your house so defend your house, defend your loved ones,’ he mentioned.  

The Oklahoma Metropolis Hearth division will set up a smoke alarm without spending a dime should you don’t have one. These which are can name 405-316-BEEP (2337).