Space Heaters and Holiday Lights: Safety First

The Valley Today

In today's episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with the City of Winchester's Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction and Fire Marshal, Jeremy Luttrell. As the cooler weather of fall sets in, their conversation focuses on crucial fire safety tips to help listeners stay safe during the winter months.

Jeremy highlights the growing trend of year-round outdoor lighting and the importance of using appropriate lights rated for outdoor use. He advises listeners to check their holiday lights' conductors and wires, and to be wary of counterfeit products that might not meet safety standards.

The discussion then shifts to space heaters, with Jeremy emphasizing the need to keep them three feet away from combustible materials, avoid using extension cords, and the importance of purchasing modern heaters with safety features like tip-over shut-offs. He explains the dangers of using electric ovens to heat homes and the risks associated with old or improperly maintained heating devices, such as kerosene heaters and outdated fireplaces.

Janet and Jeremy also talk about the importance of carbon monoxide detectors, especially for homes using oil, gas, propane, or wood-burning heaters. They note how these detectors have become more affordable and accessible over the years.

Towards the end of their discussion, Jeremy stresses the necessity of regular chimney inspections and cleanings to prevent dangerous buildups that could lead to fires. He also reminds listeners to use metal buckets for ash disposal and to be cautious with space heaters and other heating devices to avoid potential fire hazards.

The episode wraps up with a reminder to check local regulations before burning anything outdoors, as some areas might impose burn bans during dry conditions.