Fire Safety Tips for Heating Home

Corpus Christi Fire Department

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – As the Arctic front moves in, the Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) is urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and families from fire hazards. CCFD has released a list of tips to help residents stay safe while heating their homes.

The first and most important tip is to inspect all heating equipment before use. Make sure all space heaters are clean and dust-free and choose UL-approved electric space heaters with automatic shut-off or tip-over safety features. Additionally, all space heaters should be kept 3 feet away from any combustible items in the home.

If using a generator, ensure that it is 10 feet away from your home. This is to prevent carbon monoxide from entering. It's crucial not to run extension cords under rugs or carpets. If using extension cords, ensure they are the proper size and length.

When using a fireplace, make sure that the flue is open for proper ventilation of smoke and gases.

Never use charcoal grills or other fuel-burning devices, such as ovens, indoors as they produce carbon monoxide and can cause structure fires.

Following these simple safety tips can prevent fires and ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe and warm this winter.