Heating Alternatives

Central New Yorkers might be using alternative ways to stay warm and save money during this cold snap. But fire officials say many of those methods pose dangers. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York has been getting reports from fire departments about more people turning to space heaters and wood burning stoves. Syracuse-area FASNY representative Gordon Kotars says space heaters are affordable and easy to use but can burn easily.

Earlier this month, a Syracuse family lost nearly everything after a space heater caught fire in an adjoining apartment. It’s not known what caused it to go up in flames, but improper maintenance or failure to clean the appliance can also cause it to ignite. So can using extension cords not rated to handle the electric load of the heater. Some homeowners might also be using their fireplaces more often. But Gordon Kotars with FASNY says that might actually make things colder through the chimney

Kotars says to also make sure there’s a screen in front of the firebox to prevent sparks from leaping into the room. If you’re using a propane or nautal gas-powered portable heater, Kotars says to make sure the room is ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisioning. A C-O detector is also probably not a bad idea.