Winter Weather And YOu

Space Heaters Need Space!space heater
From Houston Fire Department
 Heating devices cause more than 100 fires in the City of Houston each year, resulting in numerous injuries and possible death. Citizens should always keep in mind that: Space Heaters Need Space!

The Houston Fire Department recommends the following safety tips when using supplemental heating sources:

  • Make sure you have a working smoke alarm.
  • Never leave children unattended in a room with a space heater - Children knock over space heaters especially if they are placed on top of wobbly tables or stools and near where the children play. Children may also stick paper or toys in the grates of the space heaters especially gas space heaters. The city had two reported fires in 2004 caused by children playing with space heaters.
  • Keep all combustible materials, including yourself at least 3 feet from the heater
  • Open face heaters should have a screen
  • Provide ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Vented Gas / Fired Heating Appliances Tips (Central heating units, floor furnaces, recessed wall heaters, and vented space heaters.)
  • Inspect annually by a qualified service technician. Don't wait for cold weather!
  • Do not use these type units without a proper vent pipe. Vent pipes must exhaust to the outside!
  • If your flame is not blue, it is not burning properly. It is producing Carbon Monoxide,which can't be seen, smelled or tasted. Turn it off.
  • Use flexible metal tubing with threaded ends to connect the heater to the gas valve. There should be a cutoff valve for the heater at the wall. Never use a rubber hose to connect a space heater to the gas valve!
  • Use soapy water to check all connections and valves for leaks. NEVER use a match to test for a gas leak!
  • Look for the American Gas Association label and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper usage.

Electric Heaters Tips

•  Never overload outlets or breakers
•  Don't use extension cords for the heater. If the cord is hot to the touch, turn off the heater and unplug it!
•  Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly. Lint and dust will burn!

Carbon Minoxide Poisoning
From CenterPoint Energy

What is Carbon Minoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating. When inhaled, CO combines with the blood and prevents it from absorbing oxygen. When this oxygen-deficient blood reaches the heart and brain, it can damage those organs and cause illness or death.

How do I prevent CO buildup?

  • Never operate an automobile, lawn mower or any combustion engine, or barbecue grill or similar equipment, in an enclosed area such as your home, garage, tent, trailer or place of business, even with the door open.
  • Never leave a fire smoldering in a fireplace.
  • Have fuel-burning equipment regularly checked by a qualified technician (most manufacturers recommend annual check-ups).
  • Check frequently for visible signs of problems, such as high indoor humidity, or soot or water collecting near a burner or vent.
  • Equipment that uses natural gas should produce a clear blue flame. A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem, and equipment should be checked by a qualified technician.
  • Provide adequate combustion air for all your appliances by avoiding too many appliances vented to one vent pipe.
  • Make sure your fresh air intake(s) is unobstructed.
  • Be certain all fuel-burning appliances and equipment are properly vented to the outdoors.
  • Keep vents and chimneys clear of debris or other obstruction and check for vent pipes that have gaps, leaks, spaces, or are rusted through.
  • If you use a gas space heater that is unvented, leave a nearby window open at least an inch to allow fresh air to enter the room.
  • Have your gas central heating unit checked before the heating season begins to make sure the heat exchanger is not cracked or rusted and that the burner area is clean.
  • Never attempt to heat a room with a natural gas range, oven or clothes dryer.
  • If you have equipment converted from one type of fuel to another, have the conversion done by a qualified technician. You can purchase a CO detection device with an audible alarm and a digital display, installed near bedrooms, that can provide added protection. Make sure it is IAS-6-96 approved or meets the Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034. Look for the "UL" stamp on the box, and carefully follow the manufacturer's directions for operation, placement and maintenance.

For more information visit: CenterPoint Energy

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