Officials provide safe heating practices for upcoming winter weather

MGN

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  With colder temperatures heading into the Tennessee Valley, county officials want residences to practice safe heating.

The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (HCOEM)  emphasizes the importance of safe practices to prevent accidents and house fires.

Officials recommend keeping space heaters at least three feet away from any flammable materials, including curtains, clothing, and furniture.

For homeowners with fireplaces or chimneys, HCOEM advises scheduling a professional inspection to check for potential buildup.

Chimney build up could pose a fire risk.

Regular maintenance is essential to reduce hazards and ensure safe operation.

Smoke detectors are another critical safety measure.

Residents are encouraged to test their alarms and replace batteries if necessary to ensure they function properly.

Pet owners are also reminded to bring outdoor animals indoors when temperatures drop below freezing to protect them from the harsh conditions.

HCOEM shared the following additional heating safety tips:

• Keep anything that can catch fire at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters, and candles.
• Always turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Schedule annual cleaning and inspection of heating equipment and chimneys by a professional.