Essential Tips for Safely Heating Your Home During Houston Freezes

Preparing Your Home for Houston's Icy Weather

As Houston braces for an unusual freeze, residents are reminded of the importance of safe heating practices. Knowing how to properly rely on fireplace, space heater, or generator can be crucial.

It's not just a matter of comfort—keeping your home warm prevents freezing pipes and potential damage to your plumbing.

Key Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety Tips

Fireplaces can provide warmth and a cozy atmosphere, but they come with risks. The National Weather Service has outlined essential safety measures:

• Always ensure the damper is open.
• Only utilize safe heat sources, like a wood or coal stove. Avoid using cooking appliances for warmth.
• Keep flammable materials at least three feet away from any flame.
• Never leave a burning fire unattended; extinguish it before bed or leaving the house.
• Get your fireplace and stove inspected regularly.

Space Heater Safety: Essential Guidelines

Space heaters are convenient but pose the highest risk for heating-related fires. To mitigate risks, follow these guidelines from the American Red Cross:

• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Connect space heaters directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords.
• Ensure there's a three-foot clearance around the heater to keep combustibles away.
• Consider using a space heater with built-in safety features.

Generator Use and Precautions

As many households rely on generators during power outages, understanding their safe operation is essential. Carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas emitted by generators, poses significant health risks.

Here are critical safety tips from the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management:

• Always operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors.
• Never run a generator in enclosed spaces.
• Install CO detectors and regularly check their functionality.
• Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning—headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—and act quickly by moving to fresh air and seeking medical help if needed.

Protecting Your Home’s Infrastructure

Beyond personal safety, winter conditions can damage home infrastructure, particularly plumbing systems. Here are proactive steps to protect your property:

• Insulate pipes and outdoor faucets to avoid freezing.
• Cover exterior plants and bring potted ones indoors when temperatures drop.
• Keep garage doors closed to protect pipes located within.

Emotional and Human Interest Considerations

During extreme weather, it's crucial to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors, especially those elderly or disabled. Acts of kindness, like making a quick phone call or offering assistance, can make a significant difference.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Cold

While winter brings chilly temperatures, following safe heating practices can help ensure your family stays warm and protected this season. Safety should always be your top priority when using heating devices.

Stock up on essentials, check your heating devices, and connect with loved ones. No one should face the freeze alone.