Home Heating Safety

During cold weather, remember these simple steps to prevent home heating fires and carbon monoxide poisoning:

1. Always turn off portable space heaters when you leave the room and when you’re going to sleep.

2. Get to Know CO! Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that you cannot smell or see. If you have ANY fuel-burning equipment for heating or cooking in your home, you should install at least one CO alarm on every level of the home. Remember to test your CO alarms each and every month, and change the batteries every 6 to 12 months, just like you should do with your smoke alarms! If you have questions about CO alarms or know someone who needs assistance, please call the Pflugerville Fire Department’s non-emergency Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Hotline at 512-989-4516. You can also visit our FAQ webpage at http://www.pflugervillefire.org/faqs/

3. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from fireplaces and portable space heaters, including clothing, curtains, bedding, baskets, and books. Likewise, follow the 3-feet rule for kids and pets to help keep them from getting burned!

4. Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop any sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container; keep that container a safe distance away from your home.

5. Get your chimneys and other heating equipment inspected (and cleaned as needed) by a professional every year.  In addition to house fire risks, even a wood-burning fireplace can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if it doesn’t vent properly!

6. NEVER use an oven to heat your home.