Temperatures are dipping into the freezing levels in the Truckee Meadows this week. Have you turned on your heater yet? When temperatures drop, we tend to see more house fires related to heating.
The Washoe Drive Fire destroyed dozens of homes in South Reno in January 2012. Investigators found the cause to be improperly disposed fireplace ashes.
Ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves can stay hot for days - that's why fire experts say you should use an ash can to cool them down.
"Make sure you dispose of them in the ash can, put water inside, seal the lid and set it outside for a good 48 hours before you discard those ashes," said Adam Mayberry with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.
He recommends getting furnaces looked at before firing them up for the winter.
"We really encourage you to hire a professional, check out the furnace to make sure its working properly," Mayberry said.
It's a good idea to make sure your wood stove is maintained as well.
"A lot of residents still rely on wood-burning stoves, so it's really important to have your chimney swept," Mayberry said. "Creosote can build up over time and can ignite."
Space heaters are always a safety concern.
"Make sure all space heaters are plugged directly into the wall," Mayberry said. "Space heaters use a lot of energy and they shouldn't be plugged into any kind of extension outlet. Also, make sure you have at least three feet around that space heater free of combustibles."
It's a good time to make sure you're prepared in case of a fire.
"It's very important to have at least a single fire extinguisher on hand, preferably near the kitchen," Mayberry said. "And make sure your smoke alarms are working this time of year."
And being prepared means going over evacuation plans, especially if there are children in the home.
"Really spend some time explaining to your children the multiple exits inside your home in the event there is an emergency," Mayberry said.
