When the temperature drop, area residents have traditionally used portable heating devices to help keep their homes warm.
While many are anxious to get their units up and running quickly, safety measures and precautions should always be taken to ensure a safe, warm home through the upcoming winter.
The men and women of the Spokane Fire Department encourage everyone to take the following precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely.
Fire safety:
Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use.
Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
Always keep an eye on heating equipment.
Never leave children or animals alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when unable to closely monitor it.
Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.
Make sure there is a working smoke detector in every room. Check and change batteries often.
Carbon monoxide safety:
Install a carbon monoxide detector in the home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working. Make sure the heating system is kept clean and properly vented; have worn or defective parts replaced.
Kerosene heaters can be very dangerous and require exceptional care
Do not heat the home with a gas stove or oven. Do not use any gas-powered appliance, charcoal grill, or hibachi indoors.
Open the garage door before starting the car and do not leave the motor running in an enclosed area. Clear exhaust pipes before starting a car or truck after it snows.
The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is headache.
However, symptoms may also include dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting.
In severe cases, people can become increasingly irritable, agitated and confused, eventually becoming lethargic and lapsing into unconsciousness.
As always, if carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas problem is suspected, call 911, and get the victim to fresh air immediately.
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