LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Now that winter temperatures have arrived, some may be trying to stay warm in their homes with alternative heat sources.
The Lima Fire Department is asking folks to be careful when they use any type of space heaters to heat their homes. The National Fire Protection Association says heating equipment is a major cause of home fires in the United States. Local fire officials say not just any type of space heater is safe for the home.
"If it doesn't turn off when you tip it over, or if it doesn't, if the heating element doesn't go off, so maybe the fan blows but there's no heat, that needs to be thrown away and tossed and you need to get a different space heater. Because of that tip over protection, that has saved lives. Also, we've had fires where people don't have that tip over protection, and an animal or a kid could easily knock over the heater," explained Warren Pughsley, fire inspector from the Lima Fire Department.
Local fire officials go on to make a few more recommendations. Keep all space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable such as blankets and curtains. Do not use any kerosene-based heaters that can blow carbon monoxide into the house. Anyone who has wood-burning stoves needs to keep the wire screen on the stove and have them checked for proper insulation and any soot damage before using them for the winter season.
