Durham, NC — As freezing temperatures grip the Triangle, the Durham Fire Department is urging residents to prioritize safety while heating their homes. This season brings not only bitter cold but also heightened risks of home fires, which officials warn can have devastating consequences if proper precautions aren’t taken.
According to Fire Chief Mitchell Morkunas, the department typically sees a spike in fire-related calls during January and February, with one in six building fires during this period caused by heating equipment misuse, overcrowding, or other preventable issues.
“Some people do what they can to stay warm, and we understand that,” said Chief Morkunas. “But using unsafe methods, like heating your home with a stove, poses significant risks. These should never be used as alternatives to proper heating equipment.”
Key Safety Tips for Winter Heating
To reduce fire risks, the Durham Fire Department provides the following guidelines:
1.Portable Heaters:
• Use one heater per outlet.
• Avoid extension cords or plugging additional devices into the same outlet.
• Maintain at least three meters of clearance around the heater.
• Turn off heaters when not in use or when leaving the room.
2.Generators:
• Place generators outdoors and away from windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
3.Fireplace Ashes:
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container and keep them at least ten feet away from your home.
4.Thermostat Settings:
• Avoid cranking up the thermostat. Systems struggling to maintain 70 degrees will not perform better at higher settings and may risk overworking.
The Cost of Fire Risks
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home heating is a leading cause of fires and fire-related injuries in the United States. Space heaters alone account for one-third of home heating fires. These incidents disproportionately affect colder regions during extreme weather events.
HVAC Services on High Alert
Local HVAC companies are also preparing for an influx of service requests. Streamline Services Operations Manager Joseph Oliveira noted that repair crews are already busy addressing heating system malfunctions and expect an even greater demand as temperatures drop further.
“Our technicians are ready, but we advise homeowners to take simple steps, like keeping windows and doors closed, to maximize heating efficiency,” Oliveira said.
Preparing for the Winter Storm
With a Winter Storm Watch in effect for Friday and Saturday, residents are reminded to be cautious, as cold events not only stress home heating systems but also strain the electrical grid. “During these extreme conditions, avoid overloading your home’s electrical grid with unsafe or excessive use of heating equipment,” Morkunas said.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
The Bull City Citizen is committed to keeping Durham residents informed and prepared. For more winter safety tips and updates on local weather and fire prevention, visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter.
The Bull City Citizen: Your trusted source for community news, safety updates, and more.
