Winter is moving in and temperatures dropping.
In cases of those with temporary furnace issues, or older homes with insulation issues, a space heater may seem like a simple solution to help keep your family warm. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, however, fires sparked by portable heaters caused 65 deaths and 150 injuries each year.
With inflation hitting the wallets of local families recently, Rochester Fire Chief Tom Butler is reminding families to stay vigilant about the way you heat your home this winter. Butler said it's imperative that people who do need to use a space heater in their home or business remember to keep them away from furniture or any other object that could catch fire.
Butler advised people to always check space heater for malfunctions, and to make sure the heating device being used is a well-made product.
Never plug a space heater into an extension cord, always follow the manufacturer's manual for instructions on how to use the device, and never leave a space heater unattended.
Space heaters aren't the only heating source families need to stay vigilant about to keep safe. Fireplaces are also an issue Butler says he sees at least once a year in Fulton County. Those who have chimneys in their home should make sure it's well-maintained and inspected each year before using, And never burn green wood in the fireplace.
Keeping up with preventative maintenance for your home furnace is another thing that's also important not just for fire prevention, but for the prevention of carbon monoxide.
Butler stressed the importance of installing both a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector in every home.
For anyone in need of a smoke detector, Butler says the Rochester Fire Department has partnered with the Red Cross and now provides free fire detectors for any community members. That includes the option of having RFD install the fire detector in your home.
Butler says making a home escape plan could one day save the life of one of your family members during a future emergency.
