TULSA, OK \u2013 [October 18, 2022] \u2013 As temperatures continue to fluctuate over the coming weeks into the cooler 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.\u00a0<\/p>\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, adequate and safe heat sources must be available to occupants of living structures. THD may be able to help determine if a heat source is adequate, safe or not safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cUnsafe heat is critical to someone\u2019s health,\u201d said Kendra Wise, environmental health services manager. \u201cEveryone\u2019s home should have a safe and proper source of heat during the cooler Oklahoma months. If anyone suspects their heater is unsafe or inadequate, they can call THD for inspection. Due to anticipated supply chain issues, we recommend testing heaters early so any repairs can be made before the cold weather returns.\u201d<\/p>\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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0<\/p>\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. \u00a0
\n\u201cIf you need to use a space heater, make sure you do so safely,\u201d added Wise. \u201cYou should never connect space heaters with extension cords. Use heaters that have been tested for risk of fire, electric shock and other hazards.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
THD offers these tips:\u00a0
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0City of Tulsa code requires that heaters must warm the living spaces to 65\u00b0F.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0If 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.\u00a0
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Gas heaters must be approved to be used in some living spaces and have required safety devices.\u00a0
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Chimneys and wood burning stoves should be properly vented and properly cleaned and maintained\u00a0
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Never use a cook stove to heat a living area.\u00a0
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, to shut off the heating element if the heater falls over.\u00a0
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Properly install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For questions regarding your heat source, please contact the environmental health services program at 918-595-4200.<\/p>\n
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TULSA, OK \u2013 [October 18, 2022] \u2013 As temperatures continue to fluctuate over the coming weeks into the cooler 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.\u00a0 Heaters must warm the living space to a minimum […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7338,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8159","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n