Winter is a busy season for firefighters putting out electrical fires. Here’s how you can you help out.
SAN ANTONIO — Trying to stay warm is crucial this week in freezing temperatures and the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) wants to make sure you’re doing it the right way to prevent electrical fires.
Firefighters say you need to properly use heating equipment and make sure it’s been maintained before you plug a device in or start up the fireplace.
Since January 16, SAFD says they’ve had to put out at least nine fires started by an unmaintained chimney or bad heating system.
Space heaters are a big culprit behind some of these fires.
They’re easy to use, very portable, and you can keep them on all day, but it does matter where you place them.
“They need to go directly to the wall, because when they kick on, they draw. The power they draw can overload that extension cord or the surge protector and cause to short out and spark a fire,” said Joe Arrington, San Antonio Fire Department.
SAFD says you also need to keep space heaters on a hard flat surface and 3-6 feet away from anything flammable like carpets, rugs, and blankets.
The last tip with space heaters is to turn them off if you’re not in the room with it. It only takes a few seconds to start a fire.
Another big reminder is to not use a stove to heat your home. The wires can short out and a gas powered stove can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.