{"id":25489,"date":"2026-11-13T13:43:44","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T19:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tulsa-health.org\/?p=25489"},"modified":"2026-11-13T13:43:45","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T19:43:45","slug":"tulsa-health-department-stresses-importance-of-safe-and-adequate-heat-during-colder-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tulsa-health.org\/my\/tulsa-health-department-stresses-importance-of-safe-and-adequate-heat-during-colder-months\/","title":{"rendered":"\u1010\u1030\u101c\u103a\u1006\u102c \u1000\u103b\u1014\u103a\u1038\u1019\u102c\u101b\u1031\u1038\u100c\u102c\u1014\u1000 \u1006\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u1038\u101b\u102c\u101e\u102e\u1010\u103d\u1004\u103a \u1018\u1031\u1038\u1000\u1004\u103a\u1038\u101c\u102f\u1036\u1001\u103c\u102f\u1036\u1015\u103c\u102e\u1038 \u101c\u102f\u1036\u101c\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103a\u101e\u1031\u102c \u1021\u1015\u1030\u101b\u103e\u102d\u1014\u103a\u101b\u101b\u103e\u102d\u101b\u1031\u1038 \u1021\u101b\u1031\u1038\u1000\u103c\u102e\u1038\u1000\u103c\u1031\u102c\u1004\u103a\u1038 \u1021\u101c\u1031\u1038\u1015\u1031\u1038\u1015\u103c\u1031\u102c\u1000\u103c\u102c\u1038"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tulsa, Okla. \u2013<\/strong> [<\/strong><\/a>November 13, 2026]<\/strong> <\/strong>\u2013 As temperatures continue to fluctuate over the coming weeks into the freezing overnight lows, the Tulsa Health Department (THD) would like to remind Tulsa County residents of the importance of safe and adequate heat for your home or apartment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heaters must warm the living space to a minimum of 65\u00b0F. Space heaters are not considered a primary heat source and should only be used to supplement permanent heat sources. According to the International Property Maintenance Code Section 602.3, landlords are to provide adequate and safe heat sources to tenants. THD may be able to help determine if a heat source is adequate, safe or not safe.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe importance of proper heating in homes cannot be overstated, especially during cooler months when temperatures dip,\u201d said Kendra Wise, environmental health services manager at the Tulsa Health Department. \u201cIt is crucial to ensure that your home\u2019s heating system is safe and adequate. Unsafe heat can pose a serious threat to one’s health. If renters suspect their heating system to be unsafe or inadequate, they can call THD for an inspection.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gas and electric cooking stoves should never be used to heat a living space. Any heater or cooking equipment designed to be used outside the home should never be used inside because of the threat of both fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open flame gas heaters (vented and unvented) may be harmful if not used properly. Gas heaters that are not working properly can introduce toxic carbon monoxide into living spaces. Most gas heaters specify where they can or cannot be used. When used properly gas heat is effective and efficient, but when improperly installed or used, it can be deadly.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THD officials discourage the use of space heaters but recognize that people may rely on them during cold winter months. To minimize danger to health and potential house fires, THD stresses that space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn \u2013 especially bedding and paper. Space heaters should NOT be used as a primary source of heat.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the event that you need to use a space heater, it is important to do so safely,\u201d cautions Wise. \u201cIt is not safe to connect space heaters with extension cords. It is also recommended to use heaters that have been tested for risk of fire, electric shock and other hazards. Taking these safety precautions can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay warm and safe during the cooler months.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

THD offers these tips:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n