Beckley, W.Va. (WOAY)- As temperatures continued to drop across the region, staying warm remained a priority for many families, but safety was just as important.
Firefighters at Station 3, in Beckley, said they regularly responded to house fires during the winter months, many of which were caused by heating equipment used improperly.
Probationary Firefighter Neil Lemrow said many fires came from predictable sources.
“You have fires that come from a certain number of predictable places, and it is usually from electric heaters or gas-powered generators,” Lemrow said. “People will use electric heaters, and if you do use them, use them the way the manufacturer recommends. Do not cover them up or place anything flammable near them. A lot of housing materials like blankets and sheets are made with synthetic materials that burn very easily, so keeping those away is important.”
Firefighters also advised preparation ahead of colder temperatures could help reduce risk inside the home.
Lemrow said residents should make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were working properly and had fresh batteries.
“You can test those and make sure the batteries are good,” he said. “Make sure heaters are plugged directly into an outlet and not into extension cords. Those heaters use a lot of energy, and standard electrical cords can overheat, melt, and cause a fire.”
He also warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure when using gas powered generators.
“If you are using a gas generator, those put off carbon monoxide as exhaust,” Lemrow said. “Some people keep them in basements or on porches because it is more convenient, but those should be kept away from the house, so carbon monoxide does not get inside through walls or the eaves of the roof.”
Another concern during extreme cold weather was frozen pipes. He said residents should never use an open flame to thaw them.
“This is the time of year that water pipes freeze,” he said. “Be very careful if you are using heating in the basement or another area to thaw them. Never use an open flame. Use heaters safely and be mindful of how long they are connected, especially if extension cords are involved.”
Firefighters at Station 3 also reminded residents to double check that all detectors in their homes had working batteries.
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