Tucson Fire Department Cold Weather Safety Tips

Stay safe and warm during the cold weather months

Heating Equipment:

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.

  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
  • Only use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Never use your oven for heating.
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
  • Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • For fuel burning space heaters, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room and burn only dry, seasoned wood. Allow ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from the home.
  • For wood burning stoves, install chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
  • Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.
  • If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and windows. Call a gas service person.
  • Install a working smoke detector and practice your escape plan with your family

Carbon monoxide:

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion. It is odorless, colorless and is the second-leading cause of poisoning deaths in the country. Approximately 10,000 people are injured each year from Carbon monoxide poisoning and another 1500 die. It can kill you before you know it because you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it.

When an individual inhales Carbon monoxide, it accumulates in the blood and forms a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin. Hemoglobin is what carries oxygen in the bloodstream to cells and tissues.

Carbon monoxide attaches itself to the hemoglobin and displaces the oxygen that the body’s organs need. Essentially the Carbon monoxide blocks the body’s ability to absorb oxygen at a cellular level.

Carbon monoxide sources:

  • Automobiles, furnaces, space heaters, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, BBQ grills and fireplaces
  • Problems occur when there is not proper ventilation.

Signs of exposure:

  • Headaches, fatigue nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability.
  • Later stages include vomiting, loss of consciousness, brain damage, death.
  • If multiple members of the same family develop symptoms call 911.

Prevention:

  • Install a Carbon monoxide detector.
  • Check fireplace flue pipes from top to bottom for blockage, cracks or holes.
  • Ensure filters are clean and dust is removed from furnace closets.
  • Outdoor appliances such as BBQ grills should never be used indoors.
  • Ovens and stovetops should never be used to heat the house.
  • Do not warm-up or leave your car running in the garage.
  • Natural gas typically burns blue. If the flame is mostly yellow there is a problem. SW can be contacted at Gas 889-1888.

Space Heaters Need Space:

Space heaters and other portable heating devices require special maintenance and care. Before using portable heating devices consider the following safety precautions.

  • Space heaters require at least three feet of space between anything that can burn and the surface of the heater
  • Never sleep with space heaters on
  • Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or the house
  • Supervise children and pets at all times while heaters are in use
  • Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets