Jan Doherty

Stay warm and safe this winter

Jan Doherty, Public Education Officer, No Phone Number Available

Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 9:47 a.m.

In preparation for sub-zero temperatures in the forecast, the Spokane Fire Department is sharing some tips to help you stay safe while keeping warm.

Heating equipment is the leading cause of residential fires between November and February. If you turn on your heaters or use your fireplace, keep these tips in mind to help keep your family and neighbors safe from fire and burns:

  • Clean your chimney and remove flammable creosote deposits. Inspect the chimney for cracks or blockages. This can help prevent rooftop fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Use seasoned or dried firewood to reduce creosote buildup.
  • Any type of combustible material (e.g., curtains, upholstery, bedspreads, and stuffed animals) should be kept at least 12 inches away from baseboard heaters.
  • Remember the basics of heater safety when using space heaters:
    • Never plug heaters into an extension cord or power strip
    • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heater
    • Turn heaters completely off when going to sleep or leaving your home

To prevent frozen pipes, remember the following tips:

  • Disconnect all of the hoses from outdoor faucets
  • Close your foundation vents
  • Run your faucets with a slight stream
  • Open your cabinets up to let more heat get to your pipes

Thank you for helping to make Spokane safer by following these safety tips while keeping warm this winter. For more information about winter safety, contact Jan Doherty at 509.625.7058.

Heater Hazards

These photos demonstrate unsafe heating practices with combustibles too close to a heater, or improper installation of a heater. Are the heaters in your home unsafe?

  • Heater Hazard 1
  • Heater Hazard 2
  • Heater Hazard 3

More About...