How to stay safe when using alternative heaters

WOODBURN, Ky. – As freezing temperatures continue, residents are looking for ways to stay warm, especially in areas hit hard by power outages.

That need for heat has led to an increase in emergency calls and, in some cases, house fires. Officials say electric and space heaters, along with unclean fireplaces, can quickly turn dangerous.

Before turning on a space heater, officials urge residents to practice basic fire safety like keeping the heater away from flammable objects and always keeping an eye on the heater, especially around young children and pets.

“Never leave it unattended. Especially if you have pets or kids in the house. You always want someone to watch and, make sure that things are staying safe,” said Woodburn fire chief Bob Skipper.

Another danger to watch for when using alternative heating sources is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly with prolonged exposure. That’s why officials stress the importance of keeping carbon monoxide detectors working at all times.

“If you have any other kind of heat source other than electricity, it’s very important to have a carbon monoxide detector use natural gas or LP gas, anything like that. Even with your water heater, you need one of those, because anything that might block the vent, cause incomplete combustion, will create carbon monoxide,” said Skipper.

Skipper says to always keep propane of gas power generators outside and no never keep them running in an enclosed space.