Winter heating season – tips for staying safe in your home

Heating season is fast approaching and the Joplin Fire Department reminds you of the silent killer.  

According to Dustin Lunow:

“Carbon monoxide is number one for us. Obviously, we want you warm and comfortable, but, you know, that’s something we definitely need to talk about. So people that have, you know, I’ll say headaches, and people think, well, I have a headache. Well, no, think about everybody in your family having the worst headache of their life. That’s kind of what the sign and symptom is of that red flush, skin, things of that nature. But, get that detector in there. And if your detector goes off, well, then call us.” 

Lunow went on to say:  “We’re gonna come out, we’re gonna check it with ours. We’re gonna get the natural gas company to come out, and we’ll get them going as well. And we’ll figure out. And we’ll make it safe for you.”

Carbon Monoxide happens when your furnace or other appliance burns fuel to produce heat and with faulty devices, could get into your home. 

Winter heating system maintenance is critical to prevent hazards

HVAC companies should inspect furnaces annually to check heat exchangers and ensure safe operation.

Fireplaces need yearly flue inspections to prevent cracks that can release carbon monoxide or cause fires.

Dustin advised checking for blockages like animals and cleaning flues before use.

These preventative steps reduce emergency calls and improve home safety during colder months.

Space Heater Usage and Electrical Safety

Proper use of space heaters can prevent fire risks and reduce emergency incidents during winter, with specific safety rules highlighted by Dustin Lunow.

Space heaters draw high power and must plug directly into wall outlets, never extension cords or power strips, to avoid overheating and fires.

Extension cords can heat up, melt, and ignite if used with space heaters.

Avoid running cords under rugs or through living areas where heat buildup can be hidden.

Newer heaters have tip-over shutoff features, but older models do not, increasing fire risk if knocked over.

Maintain a 10 to 12 inch safety radius around heaters to keep flammable objects clear.

Placement recommendations focus on safety and minimizing knock-over risks

Space heaters should be placed on the ground, not tables or nightstands, to prevent accidental tipping.

Keeping heaters in open areas ensures effective radiant heat and reduces fire hazards.

These guidelines reduce fire calls and promote safe supplemental heating during cold weather.