As the mercury falls into the subzero range this weekend, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued an advisory Friday, urging Minnesotans to use caution with heat sources and fire.
When space heaters and fireplaces are used to stay warm, the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning goes up, said Jerry Rosendahl, state fire marshal.
"Staying warm during cold snaps takes some serious thought," he said. "Knowing about fire dangers and wearing some extra clothing can make all the difference."
If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace or space heater, be extremely careful, Rosendahl advised. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and remember these tips:
- Use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
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- Do not burn paper or trash in a fireplace. Burn only dry seasoned wood.
- Ensure adequate ventilation if you are using a kerosene heater.
- Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use -- don't substitute.
- Do not place a space heater within three feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture or bedding, and never cover a space heater.
- Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
- Make sure the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard.
- Do not use the oven or stove as a supplemental heat source.
- Store a multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated.
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- Leave water faucets open slightly on water sources with exposed pipes.
- Do not use propane torches to thaw frozen pipes. Call a licensed contractor.
- Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector, and never use generators, grills, camp stoves or similar devices indoors.
- Test your smoke alarms and review your fire escape plan.
- Bring pets indoors or provide adequate shelter to keep them warm, and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
