Reminder to residents to take extra precautions as winter temperatures arrive, stressing that many cold-weather deaths each year are linked to improper use of alternate heat sources. Carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires remain two of the most preventable winter hazards.
Anyone using fireplaces, wood stoves, generators, or portable heaters to ensure proper ventilation and follow strict safety guidelines. Only certified heaters with automatic shutoff features should be used, and no heat source should ever be left unattended. Portable heaters must be placed on a nonflammable, level surface, with all combustible materials kept at least three feet away.
For homes with gas furnaces, residents should regularly check that exterior vents are clear of snow and debris to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Also, the importance of maintaining working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, noting that many winter fires are caused by improperly used space heaters and other supplemental heat sources.
To reduce the risk of frozen pipes, homeowners are encouraged to allow faucets to drip slowly and open kitchen or bathroom cabinet doors so warm air can reach plumbing. Families should know how to shut off their home’s main water supply in case a pipe bursts.
For individuals without reliable heat, emergency recommendations include wearing several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, closing off unused rooms, blocking drafts with towels, and covering windows to retain warmth.
Early preparation and responsible use of heating equipment save lives each year and remain essential as the region moves deeper into the winter season.
