FORNEY, Texas — As North Texas prepares for our first freeze of the season, inForney.com contacted Forney Fire Marshal Brian Jones for tips on winter safety.
FORNEY, Texas — As North Texas prepares for our first freeze of the season, inForney.com contacted Forney Fire Marshal Brian Jones for tips on winter safety.
Space heaters are a common household item that we use on cold nights to help keep us warm. While these portable heaters come in handy, it’s crucial to utilize them safely.
“It’s recommended that space heaters are at least 3 ft from anything that can burn (combustibles),” said Jones. “Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.”
According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), portable space heaters are the second leading cause of household fires in the United States.
“An average of 45,800 home heating fires occurred each year between 2015 and 2019, resulting in an estimated 480 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in direct property damage,” states the NFPA.
“During the coldest months of the year, home heating equipment kicks into high gear,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Understanding when and where home heating fires happen is critical, so that people can take the steps to minimize associated risks and safely heat their homes.”
In Forney, Fire Marshal Jones recommends only using portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory and ensuring the heater has an automatic shutoff if it tips over.
Another way to ensure your home is fire safety conscious is to get your HVAC systems serviced. After an above-average Texas Summer, scheduling a service call can ensure your equipment functions properly and safely for the cold days ahead.
In addition to an annual service inspection, Jones recommends looking for fuel leaks, maintaining good gas connections, and keeping your ducts clean.
The Texas Department of Insurance has numerous safety tips available online, including checking smoke alarm batteries, preparing for winter storms, and how to escape a house fire safely.
With temperatures dipping to or below freezing, be sure to disconnect water hoses and cover outdoor faucets, as well as bring all plants and pets inside. According to the Weather Channel, the overnight low in Forney is projected to be 28.
