Winter heating safety tips from Chesterfield Fire and EMS
VENN
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- While recent winter storms might have people pulling out space heaters and back-up generators, these things can be dangerous if not used properly. Thankfully, Chesterfield Fire and EMS is offering tips to keep people safe as the cold weather arrives.
8News spoke with Chesterfield County Fire Battalion Chief Sal Luciano about a recent house fire from over the weekend that was caused by a homeowner attempting to jump-start their vehicle.
(Photo Courtesy of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
(Photo Courtesy of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
(Photo Courtesy of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
Crews responded to an initial report of a vehicle fire on Saturday, Dec. 6, which was quickly upgraded to a house fire call after the homeowner left the cables on the car when it began to run again.
Luciano said that accidents like that are why people should keep an eye on combustible devices, and be mindful of the spaces they're using them in.
"You really just want to be outside in an open area," Luciano said. "And if you have the opportunity to use a jump box, it's typically safer than trying to use two vehicles."
Another cause of housefires this time of year is faulty heating, whether it be space heaters or fireplaces. Officials said chimneys should be cleaned ahead of time, and when you're removing ash, make sure it gets wet so it doesn't ignite again.
"Plug [the space heater] directly into the wall, keep everything away from it. Just use it the way [it] is recommended," Luciano said. "Typically, these items are tested and approved to be used in a certain manner, so if you use it in any manner that's other than how it's been tested [and] approved, you run the risk of it not operating as you know, appropriate and potentially causing a fire."
If you're using a back-up generator in case your power goes out during winter storms, keep it outside.
"When it's cold, they try to keep the generator close so they don't have to keep going out" Luciano said. "But you really need to keep it outside. You -- be aware of where the exhaust is because you don't... That's where you run into carbon monoxide poisoning. You won't even know its happening.”
Additionally, Luciano said preventative maintenance is key to avoiding fires, so make sure your HVAC systems, heaters, tools and fireplace are in good shape before you use them.
