Experts warn Chattanooga residents about heater safety

Defective or misused equipment can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — The cold weather is making its presence felt throughout Chattanooga.

Before anyone runs to the heater for relief, the Chattanooga Fire Department has some pointers to keep everyone safe this winter.

CFD Fire Chief Phil Hyman says that injury and/or sickness can result from space heaters being defective or from being misused.

He added that defective gas-powered heaters can even lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

“We just really caution people if you’re using any of those types of heaters that they’re ventilated and that your electric heaters are at least three [feet] away from every combustible,” Hyman said.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey also cautioned folks against buying used space heaters from flea markets or similar business venues.

He also said that no one should ever plug one into an extension cord.

“Space heaters cause a large number of fire deaths, particularly in January and February,” Causey said. “So many people are looking for alternative heat sources and they fail to follow the safety instructions or safety tips.”

Hyman also advised leaving plenty of room around pre-installed heaters, as well.

“We do see sometimes when the wall heaters have been installed where somebody has moved furniture back up against a wall heater during the summer, the cold snap hits and those wall heaters kick on automatically because of the temperature change,” Hyman said. “We’ve seen files occur because of that instance, as well.”

The Chattanooga Fire Department also put out a warning to all not to use kitchen appliances such as their ovens or toasters as heaters, as it could lead to serious damage, injury, or even death.