THD Stresses Importance of Safe and Adequate Heat

TULSA, OK –[January 7, 2025] – As temperatures continue to fluctuate with below 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.

Heaters must warm the living space to a minimum of 65°F. 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, adequate and safe heat sources must be available to occupants of living spaces. THD may be able to help determine if a heat source is adequate, safe or not safe.

“Proper heating in homes is essential, particularly during the colder months when temperatures drop,” said Kendra Wise, environmental health services manager. “It’s important to make sure your heating system is both safe and effective, as unsafe heating can present significant health risks. If you suspect your heating system to be unsafe or inadequate, you can call THD for an inspection.”

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.

Open flame gas heaters (vented and unvented) may be harmful if not used properly. Gas heaters that are not working properly could introduce the toxic gas 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 they can be deadly.  

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 – especially bedding and paper. Space heaters should NOT be used as a primary source of heat. 

“In the event that you need to use a space heater, it is important to do so safely,” cautions Wise. “It 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. Following these safety measures can help keep you and your loved ones warm and protected throughout the colder months.”

THD offers these tips:

• City of Tulsa code requires that heaters must warm the living spaces to 65°F.
• If space heaters must be used, use them as needed, plug them directly into the wall outlet and keep them three feet from anything that can burn and on a hard floor surface.
• Gas heaters must be approved to be used in some living spaces and have required safety devices.
• Chimneys and wood burning stoves should be properly vented and properly cleaned and maintained
• Never use a cook stove to heat a living area.
• Buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, to shut off the heating element if the heater falls over.
• Properly install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

For questions regarding your heat source, please contact the Tulsa Health Department’s Environmental Health Services program at 918-595-4200.

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