Staying Warm Safely this Winter

ZANESVILLE, OH – The cold weather is here and for many people it means it’s time to pull out the space heater.

Khen Kim, a Firefighter and EMT with the Zanesville Fire Department, provided some helpful tips if you plan to use alternative heat sources.

“If you are buying a space heater, make sure you are buying from a legitimate manufacturer.” Kim said. “Second, when you plug in that space heater, make sure it’s plugged into a wall and not an extension cord. Finally make sure the heater is at least 3 feet away from other objects.”

Kim said it’s also important to keep children away so they don’t overheat. 

He said the most important thing is to make sure the heater is on a level surface and has a shut off if it were to fall over. 

“You also don’t want to use your oven as a heat source.” Kim said. “It’s really dangerous because the gas from it could go everywhere. If you can, please try to avoid using your oven as a heater.”

The Fire Department also has smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors, if you think it’s time to replace your old one.