Make Home Safety First Priority This Heating Season
The Iowa Utilities Board reminds Iowans to make health and safety their top priority this winter for home heating and lighting. Many precautions can be taken to avoid a disaster in your home:
Use extreme caution whenever burning candles for light or wood for warmth, and don’t leave either unattended.
Ensure adequate venting if you use a fireplace or wood-burning device in your home.
Gas and kerosene heaters are generally not intended for indoor use because of the ventilation they require.
NEVER use a gas stove or oven for space heating. Using a natural gas, propane, or oil-fired appliance improperly can deplete oxygen from a room, causing asphyxiation or producing deadly carbon monoxide gas. These life-threatening circumstances can occur suddenly with few or no warning signs or symptoms.
Supplemental heating methods require safety precautions. Electric space heaters can help compensate for a cooler inside temperature and can be efficient when used on a limited basis to heat small, localized areas. However, they can be dangerous and a fire hazard, causing injury or death.
Always place a space heater away from any combustible objects or materials and shut it off if you leave the room or are at risk of falling asleep.
Avoid using extension cords for portable heaters. In the rare case it may be necessary, properly grounded and insulated heavy-duty (Underwriter’s Laboratory listed) electrical cords are safest.