Albany Fire Dept. provides winter home heating safety tips to prevent heater fires

ALBANY, Ga. – As we experience colder temperatures at night, the Albany Fire Department is issuing a warning if you’re planning to break out the space heater.

Fire Inspector, Carlton Russell says that while there were certainly fires caused by heaters in 2023…

And, that trying to keep your home warm overnight shouldn’t be a fire hazard…

But, there are some things people have done that have led to fires.

“They’ve got them too close to combustibles. The tip-over switch does not work, because they haven’t tested it. Frayed wires that are plugged in like I said, and they’re plugged into small extension cords,” said Carlton Russell, Fire Inspector, Albany Fire Dept.

And, on the subject of frayed wiring for heaters, Russell says that wiring ends up being one of the bigger factors in heater fires.

“…You want to plug them directly into the wall, but most people will put them on a cord. And, usually that cord is undersized. It should be a heavy cord, if you’re going to put a heavy cord on it, and they’re usually less than six feet,” said Russell.

And, while the immediate comfort that a space heater may bring, Russell is urging people to make sure theirs are checked and safe…

Because a loss of heat is nothing compared to the loss of life.

“If you got a space heater that’s bad, and you’ve got a fire, you could lose your life because of that fire. And, a lot of people are not versed on how to exit in the event there’s a fire…” said Russell.

Inspector Russell can’t stress enough to check the wiring of your space heater if you’re planning to use it, and if the wires are fraying to throw it out.

Russell also tells us if you’re concerned about the heater in your home to check your smoke alarms and make sure they’re working.

Brian Roche reporting.

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