Operate With Caution: Safety Tips For Mainers Using Alternative Heating Sources This Winter

Temperatures in the state of Maine are dipping into the single digits or below (with the windchill), many Maine families are relying on alternate sources to get them through the cold winter days and nights.

For some, keeping warm is as simple as turning up their thermostat. For many Mainers, however, situations arise where they cannot afford oil or electricity, and instead turn to other options to warm themselves and keep pipes from freezing. But that comes with a risk.

Local fire officials have shared that often families will rely on things like the kitchen stove for extra heat, which is not only very temporary but can be dangerous if not properly vented.

Even something like a space heater should be used with some caution.

Read More: How To Stay Safe During Maine's Extreme Cold This Week

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The Maine.gov website features recommendations from the Maine Emergency Management Agency on how to operate alternative heat sources safely. The #1 thing they say to do is to make sure there are working smoke alarms and CO2 detectors in your residence. And that you use the alternative heat sources properly. For instance:

"Electric space heaters should always be carefully checked before use, and monitored constantly while they are in use. Even if they came with safety features such as automatic turn-offs, monitor the heater yourself to make sure it is operating safely."

With regards to kerosene heaters, they recommend using the proper fuel source, and make sure to put it in the right spot.

"Always ventilate the room by slightly opening a window when using a kerosene heater."

For wood stoves, they urge folks to get their chimneys cleaned and inspected before burning, and to burn the proper materials.

"Burn only seasoned hardwood - not trash, cardboard boxes, or Christmas trees because these items burn unevenly, may contain toxins, and increase the risk of uncontrolled fires."

"Keep all persons, pets and flammable objects, including kindling, bedding, clothing, at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves."

If you cannot get in out of the cold, or need a place to go to stay safe from the plummeting temps, click here for a list of local warming shelters in each Maine municipality.