With below-average cold temperatures again gripping West Virginia this weekend, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to take precautions when using alternative heating sources.
“People turn to alternative heating sources in these extremely low temps, outside of the usual gas/HVAC,” said Tim Rock, public information officer for the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office and Emergency Management Division. “Whether it is space heaters, pellet stoves, kerosene, generators — they all have the potential for fires and/or carbon monoxide poisonings.”
Carbon monoxide, known as the “invisible killer,” is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the U.S. die annually from accidental, non-fire-related CO poisoning, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Since CO is undetectable by human senses, detection equipment and proper equipment maintenance are essential.
Space heater safety
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that portable heaters are involved in an average of 1,600 fires per year, resulting in approximately 70 deaths and 150 injuries annually.
- Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding and other combustible materials
- Plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet — never into an extension cord or power strip
- Use only UL-certified space heaters with tip-over protection
- Turn off heaters when sleeping or leaving the room
- Never leave space heaters unattended
Kerosene heater safety
- Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater — even small amounts mixed with kerosene can increase fire risk
- Never refuel while the heater is in use; turn it off and let it cool before refueling
- Use kerosene heaters indoors only for limited periods with consistent breaks, as they emit carbon monoxide
- Ensure adequate ventilation when using fuel-burning heaters
Generator safety
The CPSC estimates that from 2012 to 2022, about 750 people died from CO poisoning associated with generators. Gasoline-powered generators can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars.
- Use portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the home
- Point exhaust away from any nearby building
- Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage
- Never refuel while running; let generators cool before refueling
Carbon monoxide prevention
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, symptoms of CO poisoning include:
- Severe headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea and fainting at moderate levels
- Shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches at lower levels
- Symptoms often resemble flu or food poisoning
The EPA recommends:
- Have fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by professionals at the start of heating season
- Verify flues and chimneys are connected, functional and unobstructed
- Keep windows cracked when using unvented space heaters
- Never idle vehicles in garages, even with doors open
- Never use gas ovens or charcoal grills for home heating
- Never sleep in rooms with unvented heaters
If you suspect CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately by opening doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house. Proceed to an emergency room and inform the physician of suspected CO exposure.
Smoke and CO alarms
- Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside each bedroom
- Install CO alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once per year
For more information, visit usfa.fema.gov/prevention/life-safety-hazards/carbon-monoxide.
