By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
With temperatures expected below 10 degrees until Wednesday and bitter wind chills striking the area, people might turn to things such as space heaters to stay warm.
American Red Cross Executive Director for the Greater Kansas City and northwest Missouri area JoAnn Woody says to be sure to inspect the cords of those heaters before plugging them in, and ensure they have tip over protection.
Woody also adds that you should make sure to have three feet of space around the heater.
"That way nothing can blow across it, nothing gets draped over it, or falls on it, just making sure it has that air space and that space free of anything that may potentially cause a fire hazard," Woody tells KFEQ/ St. Joseph Post.
Woody says around this time in the region they will see an uptick in the number of house fires.
"I don't know the exact numbers, but it can be traced back to an alternate heat source," Woody explains. "Whether it's the oven, a stove, a space heater, there are a lot of different DIY videos out there on ways you can heat your house with candles and things like that, and so really we do see an uptick."
Woody says it's very simple and easy to forget steps to take with a space heater when relying on that for heat. She also adds you should be sure to turn your heater off if you leave a room or are going to sleep.
Woody says if you do lose power be sure to stay warm with extra layers and blankets. She adds one thing you should never utilize is a gas stove or a gas oven.
"Gas appliances can emit and can put you at risk for carbon monoxide, so just being very careful of that," Woody points out.
And if you have a generator to help provide power, Woody says to be sure to have that outside and not in an enclosed space
"Even in a closed garage could be dangerous because that carbon monoxide, those fumes, could seep into the home and again cause a great deal of risk to carbon monoxide poisoning," Woody says.
Woody says to be sure to be safe and cautious about how you are keeping yourself warm in the event of a power outage.