As we progress through the winter months and with the temperatures expected to drop before long, Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds reminds you it’s important to be careful with how you heat your home.

Hinds says many people utilize space heaters, and while they’re generally safe for use indoors, he advises to keep them far away from anything remotely flammable. Additionally, he says when it comes to space heaters there’s something people do to prevent one hazard, which causes a more dangerous one. “That drop cord across the floor running to the outlet should not be covered up by a throw rug. I know you want to throw a rug over the top of that, just as kind of a safety measure so it doesn’t create a trip hazard. But you’re going from creating a trip hazard to creating a fire hazard, because that cord will build up heat underneath that rug and it can start a fire that way.”

Hinds adds, it’s still important to avoid creating a trip hazard with space heater cords, because when a heater is knocked over it can create another fire hazard. Above all, he advises caution when using such devices. In addition to normal space heaters, Hinds says some people continue to use kerosene-powered heaters, and those can create a different kind of danger. He emphasizes when using that type of heating source to make sure the area and house are well ventilated, because they can lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide situation.

To learn more about winter and holiday fire safety, click the link below to listen to the most recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Hinds.