Durham, N.C. – While weather forecasts predict abnormally long bouts with cold weather, fire officials are concerned about the increased threat of fires when residents using alternative methods to stay warm.  The high costs associated with heating a home is also found to be a reason why people seek alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces. 

“Every year when residents are faced with cold weather, we see an increase in the numbers of accidental fires when people take improper steps to keep the cold out,” says Mark Schell, emergency management coordinator for the Durham County Emergency Management Department. “These fires are completely avoidable.”

Schell also warns residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Carbon monoxide is an orderless and colorless toxic gas that surfaces when using heating equipment fueled by fossil fuel.   

To help reduce the number of fatalities, fires and property damage during this time of year, Durham residents are asked to follow cold weather fire safety information provided by the Durham County Emergency Management Department found below:

• Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed.

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, blankets, curtains, and paper products.
• Choose space heaters that turn off automatically if they tip over.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. 
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Fireplace or woodstove users should have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Before going to sleep, be sure the fireplace fire is out.  Residents should never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace and only put ashes outside in a metal container to cool.
• Never use the range or oven to help heat the home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in the home or garage.
• Never leave candles unattended.  Extinguish each candle when leaving the room.
• If using kerosene heaters, read and follow the procedures in the owner’s manual before attempting to operate or service the unit.

For more cold weather fire safety information, contact Schell at 919-560-0663 or via e-mail at mschell@co.durham.nc.us.