MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Temperatures dropped on the Gulf Coast this past week. People are breaking out their space heaters to warm up. The Home Depot on Montlimar is seeing an influx in customers looking to buy the appliances.
Alex Perkins, store manager, says customers “[have] been coming in a lot in the past few weeks.”
Mobile Fire-Rescue and the Department of Public Safety urge residents to use portable heaters carefully and take simple steps to reduce the risk of a blaze.
Blake Brown, Public Affairs Manager with the Department of Public Safety, says “We always remind you not to leave anything flammable near a space heater, at least provide a 3-foot space between any space heater and any object. I know Theodore Fire Department responded to a space heater fire last month, so it does happen and people need to be aware of it.”
Common safety recommendations include:Keep at least 3 feet of clearance between a heater and anything flammable.Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.Use models with tip-over and overheat protection.Plug heaters directly into wall outlets; avoid using extension cords or power strips.Keep heaters on a stable, level surface away from water.Test and maintain working smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every floor.
Mobile Fire-Rescue regularly runs ‘Smoke Alarm Blitz’ events where firefighters install free smoke alarms for residents. The next event is Tuesday, December 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Greenwich Hill area. Residents can also call Mobile Fire-Rescue to request a free smoke alarm installation.
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