With frigid temperatures approaching the area next week, the Wheeling Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention is reminding the public to be cautious during the remainder of the winter season, particularly when using alternative sources of heat.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, two in five wintertime fires are caused by space heaters, as well as most associated deaths and injuries. Fireplaces or chimneys were involved in approximately three in 10 home heating equipment fires.
“Over the last several years, we’ve unfortunately had to fight multiple wintertime fires where the cause came back to a secondary heating source,” said Assistant Fire Chief Deric Jamison. “Space heaters are not intended to be used as a main source of heat and should never be left unattended.”
Space heaters should be kept at a minimum three-foot distance from other objects. Fire professionals also suggest never using an oven or stove burners to heat a home. They also want to remind everyone to always turn heating devices off when leaving a room or a house altogether.
Another issue seen during cold weather snaps is indoor water pipes freezing or bursting. The WFD recommends keeping all indoor areas at a minimum 40 degrees to prevent any possible water damage.
WFD also reminds the public to check your smoke alarm batteries and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms.
