Fire concerns increase during winter blast

2/28/2021 (Permalink)

Residential fire from a space heater displaces family during arctic blast.

The coldest outbreak in over 30 years smashes records across Texoma during February's  #snowmageddon2021.

-Dallas-Fort Worth dropped to minus 2 degrees. That's the coldest temperature there since it hit minus 2 in 1949. It's only 6 degrees shy of the all-time record low of minus 8 degrees set in 1899.

-Oklahoma City recorded its second-coldest temperature on record with a low of minus 14 degrees. Only a minus 17 degree reading in 1899 is colder in the city's weather records.

-Lawton, Oklahoma, set a new all-time record low of minus 12 degrees. Records in the city date back to 1912.

It's not just the freezing temperatures, snow and ice we're concerned about.

It's #firedamage. During severe cold spells, homeowners often use space heaters, fireplaces, generators and propane heaters for warmth.

Unless these are constantly monitored, they could create a fire hazard.

• Do not plug space heaters into power strips
• Make sure your space heater has a “tip over” safety feature
• Do not use propane heaters in enclosed spaces
• Make sure your chimney and flue are clear of obstructions

Take extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of your family during these frigid times.

And if fire damage happens, trust the #1 recommended restoration experts at SERVPRO of Wichita Falls. We're here to help.