Tips for Staying Safe at Home During Frigid Temperatures

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Dec 30, 2015, 11:42 ET

Energy Outreach Colorado provides affordable home energy programs to more than 100,000 families and seniors each year.

DENVER, Dec. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- During winter's deep-freeze temperatures, Energy Outreach Colorado urges Coloradans to avoid using unsafe measures to heat their homes, such as an oven or an outside appliance like a barbecue grill. This could result in a fire or a buildup of carbon monoxide. Other recommendations:

Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector near bedrooms to warn of dangerous build-ups because CO can't be detected by smell, taste or sight. Build ups can occur when fuels such as natural gas, kerosene, wood or gasoline don't have enough oxygen to burn efficiently.
Make sure heating vents are not blocked and the furnace is cleaned and maintained to ensure efficient heat flow throughout your house. Change furnace filters once every two months and do not store flammable liquids in the same room.
With a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually and use a sturdy fireplace screen. Do not burn trash because it can burn too quickly.
Check that power and extension cords are certified by an independent testing laboratory and aren't frayed, cracked or cut, which could create a fire danger. Follow the rating for indoor or outdoor use.
With candles, use sturdy, safe candleholders that can collect dripping wax. Keep them away from children and anything that can ignite, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains and flammable liquids. Blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Make sure your portable electric space heater is certified by a nationally recognized laboratory (US, CSA or ETL) and has an automatic shut-off feature that activates if tipped over. Place is on a hard, level and nonflammable surface and at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
Keep firefighting materials on-hand, including dry powder fire extinguishers, a tarp or heavy blanket, sand, salt, baking soda and water.
Don't thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use warm water or a UL rated hand-held blow dryer.

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SOURCE Energy Outreach Colorado