Cold Outside, Safety First Inside

A Message from the Fire Chief

As we experience prolonged extreme winter weather across our community, the safety of our residents remains our highest priority. Power outages and dangerously cold temperatures can create challenging and potentially hazardous conditions inside the home. While staying warm is essential, it’s equally important to do so safely.

Each winter, fire departments respond to preventable fires and carbon monoxide emergencies caused by improper use of heating equipment during power outages. These incidents can be life-threatening, but they are also avoidable by following proven safety practices.

We urge everyone to take a few moments to review the information below and share it with family members, neighbors, and especially those who may be more vulnerable during extreme cold. Your Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel are always ready to respond, but prevention is the best protection.

Please stay warm, stay alert, and stay safe.
~ Chief Corey Smedley 

Portable Heater Safety

If you are using a portable heater during a power outage, follow these essential safety guidelines:

• Never use outdoor-rated appliances indoors, including inside homes, garages, or carports.

• Only use heaters specifically approved for indoor use.

• Always read and follow the owner’s manual, including all warnings, cautions, and operating instructions.

• Ensure any heater in use has:

  • Tip-over protection, which automatically shuts the unit off if it is knocked over.

  • At least 3 feet of clearance on all sides from combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, bedding, or paper.
    

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that cannot be seen or smelled. Because it provides no warning signs, carbon monoxide can quickly become deadly without working CO detectors in the home. 

• Install and maintain working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. Detectors should be battery-operated or hardwired with battery backups.

• Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or confusion.

• If a CO alarm sounds or symptoms occur, move everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Devices NEVER to Use Indoors

The following devices should never be used inside a home, garage, or enclosed space:

• Charcoal grills

• Camping stoves

• Gas or propane grills

• Generators

Using these devices indoors can result in deadly levels of carbon monoxide within minutes.

Generator Safety

If you are using a portable generator:

• Operate generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.

• Never use generators inside homes, garages, or near openings — even if doors or windows are open.

Additional Cold-Weather Safety Tips

• Do not use gas or electric ovens or stovetops to heat your home.

• If available, use permanently installed heating systems (such as propane or gas furnaces) with battery backups.

• Dress in layers, use blankets, and close off unused rooms to help retain heat.

• Check on neighbors, especially older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those who rely on medical equipment.