News

In anticipation of the possible snow, sleet and ice headed our way, the staff at the INTEGRIS Health Paul Silverstein Burn Center would like to pass along some safety tips in relation to heating your home during these extremely cold temperatures.

Generators

• Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage.
• Keep at least 20 feet away from any window, door or vent.
• Fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in minutes, even if doors and windows are open.

Smoke Detectors

• Make sure every home has a working smoke detector.
• Change smoke detector batteries every six months or at daylight savings time in spring and fall. 

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Any open flame heater creates carbon monoxide gas and if your home’s heating devices are not functioning properly, this gas can be deadly.

Space Heaters

• Be sure to clean them thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner as dust and lint may have accumulated inside.
• Gas space heaters need to have the flame adjusted to blue to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build up.
• Give space heaters their space! Be sure that all combustible material is away from the heater, at least three inches in all directions.

Floor Furnaces

• Floor furnaces are safest when they are equipped with a thermostat and automatic shut off device.
• Clean the floor furnace by removing the grate and using a vacuum to remove dust and lint from inside the unit.
• Be sure to remove rugs whenever the unit is switched on.

Central Heaters

• Clean or replace the furnace filter.
• Clean the entire furnace area using a vacuum to remove dust and lint.

Fireplaces

• Inspect the fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Look for cracks in the firebox, flue and chimney. Also check for build-up of soot and creosote inside the flue.
• Open the damper enough to allow the smoke and gases to escape up the chimney.
• Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid.
• Never burn charcoal in a fireplace. Charcoal gives off deadly carbon monoxide gas that can fill a room and overcome the occupants.
• Never cook in a fireplace. Grease from the food can build up inside the flue and catch fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving your home or going to bed.

There are many potential problems when heating our homes in winter weather, but with a little caution we can all weather the storm.