Fort Worth Fire Department: Winter Storm Safety Tips for Home Heating and CO Poisoning

Safe Home Heating Practices

• 🏠 When using space heaters, maintain a three-foot clearance from any combustible materials.
• 🔥 For fireplaces, ensure they have been inspected annually and use screens to keep children and pets safe.
• 💨 If a fireplace is not used often, open it before starting a fire to ensure smoke exits through the chimney, not into the house.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Dangers

• ⚠️ Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning symptoms can mimic the flu, including nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath.
• 🚨 Install CO detectors with battery backup on multiple levels of your home, similar to smoke detectors.
• 🚗 Never start a car in a closed garage, even if trying to stay warm during a power outage.
• 🚫 Do not use gas ovens or similar appliances for heating your home.

Preparing for Power Outages

• 🔌 Ensure phones and rechargeable battery packs are fully charged to maintain communication.
• 🔦 Keep flashlights, blankets, gloves, and hats readily available for warmth and light.
• 🤝 Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with medical conditions, to ensure they have no unmet needs.
• 🚑 If a medical emergency arises that warrants a 911 call, do not hesitate to call 911.

Community Safety During Winter Storms

• 🚗 Avoid unnecessary travel on roads during the storm to keep them clear for emergency responders.
• 🏠 Stay home if possible to prevent getting stuck and to allow emergency services to operate more effectively.
• 🧊 The Fort Worth Fire Department is prepared to respond to emergencies during severe weather.