Inspect before Heating this Winter

With the arrival of cold winter nights comes a reminder from Oconee County Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief of Fire and Life Safety Shane Gibbs. “We definitely see an increase of home fires here in Oconee County during the winter months. Most of the time it is from heating methods, how you heat your home. A lot of people use wood heat. Some people do not have financial means to heat their homes with propane or natural gas, so they have to resort to other alternatives. We just stress safety in whatever means you use. If you have a wood stove, make sure you clean the chimney at least once a year and you inspect it to make sure it is in working condition. Do not use anything that is not listed for inside use for the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you use any kind of fuel-fired appliances, make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector. Most importantly, make sure you have a smoke alarm, regardless of the types of heating you use in your home.” In addition, talk with your family about a fire escape plan.