The Louisiana Fire Marshal’s Office issues a call to action for home heating safety as freezing temperatures approach the state.
Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says common heating-related causes of fires are preventable. Rodrigue urges people to plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, and not to use extension cords or outlet adapters.
“Plugging them in to extension cords or a power strip (could) create an overheating hazard which then of course can become a fire,” said Rodrigue
Space heaters should also be placed three to five feet away from anything that can catch fire easily. And if using open flames like candles, or fireplaces to stay warm, put them out before going to sleep and never leave them unattended.
Rodrigue urges you to practice space heater safety. She says a working smoke detector has proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency.
“Go home today, take a look around. If you have those smoke alarms, check them and make sure they’re working. If they need new batteries, put those batteries in. If you don’t have a smoke alarm, go out and get one,” she said.
