Tulsa Fire Department Share 4 Tips For Safe Heating Practices Ahead Of Cold Weather

As temperatures begin to fall, many people begin turning on their furnaces and space heaters. The Tulsa Fire Department wants people to use safety measures when turning them on.

The Tulsa Fire Department said from October to December of 2023, they responded to 280 structure fires. This year they wanted to remind people of safer ways to heat your home before it's too late.

While the outside started to get chilly, inside people got ready to turn up the heat.

"A lot of the time we notice that people turn on those space heaters, they turn on just their regular HVAC units and they haven't been inspected, they haven't been cleaned," said Andy Little with the Tulsa Fire Department. 

After months of hot weather, HVAC companies said it's important to have systems serviced before being put to work.

"It will end up saving you so much money throughout the year, your equipment will perform, everyone will be safe inside the home, and you'll really keep your energy costs a lot lower than if you did not do the maintenance," said Austin Boyce from AirCo. 

While they do see fires from HVAC systems, Tulsa Fire said they see more from space heaters. Little said the best practices for space heaters are: 

1. Follow manufacturer recommendations
2. Plug them directly into wall outlets, not extension cords or power strips
3. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that could catch fire
4. Monitor pets and children when in use

The Tulsa Fire Department also recommends practicing safe heating and always have a fire evacuation plan for your family.

"It's important to have smoke alarms in your home, it's important to have plans for your family and to have those heating units used safely, have them inspected just to make sure that your family is safe," said Little. 

If you don't have a smoke alarm installed in your home, you can contact the Tulsa Fire Department to schedule a free installation.