Albany Fire Department gives tips for safe heating as winter approaches

ALBANY — Southwest Georgia got its first zap of cold weather last week a little earlier in the year than usual. As winter approaches and home heaters will be turned up for longer periods, the Albany Fire Department has recommendations to make keeping warm both comfortable and safe.

“Half of the home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February,” Albany Assistant Fire Chief Marcus Glass said. “Heating equipment is the number one cause of fire deaths.”

Space heaters are one device that require caution. It is estimated that each year about 1,700 fires are caused by portable space heaters.

“Keep in mind to keep three feet of space between all heating equipment and anything that can burn,” Glass said. “With space heaters, make sure they have the non-tipping feature,” referring to models that automatically shut off if tipped over.

“The other thing I would say is people should not leave heaters on when they go to bed or leave the room.”

When purchasing a space heater, make sure it has a label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, the assistant chief said.

Space heaters should only be plugged into outlets with sufficient capacity. The heaters also should be checked for broken plugs or loose connections and should be replaced if damaged.

“Never use an extension cord with a heater,” Glass said. “Plug it straight into the wall.”

Individuals should have other heating units checked each year, he said. Caution also should be exercised with fireplaces and chimneys kept clean.

“When it gets cold our responses to structure fires usually goes up, because of space heaters and using extension cords instead of plugging them into the wall or people have not cleaned their chimneys,” he said.

One of the best ways to avoid fire injuries and fatalities, the assistant chief said, is to have smoke detectors in the home, including in every bedroom.

While the twice-yearly time change is usually a time when people are reminded to check smoke alarms, Glass recommended checking them every month. Units that are beyond the listed service life or are not functioning should be replaced.

Another life-saving device that residents can invest in is a carbon monoxide alarm.

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
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