Arctic Air Requires Many To Be Mindful

The shot of arctic air and weather is in full swing, and that requires people to be more mindful when it comes to safety and keeping warm.

We stopped by the Red Cross and spoke to Executive Director Marlene Henderson, who told us space heaters are something to be especially careful with when the weather makes a chilly turn.

“The one thing you have to remember with–you know some of the space heaters that are out now, the little electric heaters, don’t put them on the floor, keep them off of carpeting and don’t put them too close to any fabric. Drapes, or upholstered furniture. Keep it away, stay in the room with it, don’t fall asleep with it on.”

Henderson says recent stats have shown that when a fire starts, you have only two minutes to get out of your home before fire and smoke overwhelm the space. Because of this, it is incredibly important to keep a smoke detector in your house. Carbon monoxide is also something to keep in mind during the winter months.

“You cannot bring a generator into your house, or any kind of a cook stove that has charcoal because it will build the carbon monoxide. Along with your smoke detector, go ahead and install a carbon monoxide detector. A lot of them are dual. ”

If you experience a power outage or winter weather emergency, lots of layers and blankets will help keep things warm in your home until the electric is restored.