Asheville Fire Dept. tips ahead of snowstorm: check fire alarms, leave generators outside

Sarah Honosky, Asheville Citizen Times
·3 min read
Snowfall in Asheville on January 3, 2022.
Snowfall in Asheville on January 3, 2022.

With a major winter storm on its way for the Asheville area, the Asheville Fire Department offers advice for residents, especially those who plan to use supplemental heat.

AFD spokesperson Kelley Klope encouraged people to have a plan in place for the upcoming storm and have supplies on hand, such as water, food, medicine and battery-operated flashlights.

"Always remember space heaters need space," Klope said. The department recommends keeping the heater 3 feet away from anything combustible and on a sturdy surface.

A malfunctioning electric space heater is believed to have caused a five-alarm fire Jan. 9 in the Bronx, in which 17 people died, including eight children. It was one of the deadliest fires in the city's history. According to a report in USA TODAY, space heaters cause an estimated 80% of house fire deaths.

When using a generator, she said be sure it is ventilated. Do not run it anywhere the exhaust could enter your home, including a garage.

Related: Forecast update on how much the snow winter storm will drop on Asheville, Buncombe County

"Generators emit carbon monoxide which is a silent and deadly killer," Klope said. "Please do not try to heat your home with your oven or a gas grill."

The Hot Springs Fire Department now has all its equipment inside its two-and-a-half acre facility.
The Hot Springs Fire Department now has all its equipment inside its two-and-a-half acre facility.

She advised people have extra blankets around or consider keeping a room closed off to retain heat.

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"Now is a great time to check your smoke alarms to be sure they are working and also carbon monoxide detectors," Klope said.

She directed people to tip sheets from the National Fire Protection Association:

Generator safety

  • Generators should be used in well ventilated locations outside at least 5 feet away from all doors, windows, and vent openings. Measure the 5-foot distance from the generator exhaust system to the building.

  • Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.

  • Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building. The exhaust must be directed away from
    the building.

  • Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.

  • Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot.

  • Store fuel in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled. Store containers outside of living areas.

Heater checklist

  • Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.

  • Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people.

  • Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.

  • Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.

  • Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.

  • Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.

  • Keep children away from the space heater

  • Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.

  • Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Fire Department offers tips for heating safety before storm