Fire safety tips as the arctic cold rolls in through southeast Nebraska

FAIRBURY, Neb. -- Arctic temperatures are blanketing southeast Nebraska this weekend with a low of near 50 below zero with the wind chill. 

One of the big issues of cold weather is fire hazards with heaters, generators and fire places. 

Assistant Fire Chief Judd Stewart gave some tips and safety advice on how to stay warm through the cold weather, while staying cautious. 

“If you are using space heaters, make sure they are directly plugged into an outlet and only one per outlet and really should be one per circuit because they draw a large amount of power that will exceed what a lot of circuits are rated,” said Stewart.

Stewart said that a space heater should be plugged directly into an outlet and an extension cord should not be used at all. 

Stewart also said it is important to keep an eye on ashes from a fireplace. 

“But if you are using a fireplace - I know it’s gonna be cold and you’re not going to want to go outside very often - but when you take those ashes out of the fireplace, make sure they are stored in a metal container, that is stored away from combustibles so if there are some embers that are glowing in the ashes, they aren’t going to start another fire,” said Stewart.

Stewart recommends that you should have your fireplace inspected annually. 

Carbon monoxide buildup due to ice blocking key ventilation points is also something to be attentive to. 

“When we’re talking about those outlets, make sure they are cleared because that is the exhaust for your water heater or your furnace so if they’re blocked by ice, you can get carbon monoxide buildup in your house,” said Stewart.

Stewart suggests to warm up your car in the cold, but always observe it from an inside location.

“It’s a good idea to give them about five to 10 minutes,” said Stewart. “Unfortunately, that poses a risk of leaving a car with the keys in it sitting outside running, so stay with the vehicle. Stay in sight, so you don’t have the chance of a vehicle being stolen.”

Those are some tips to stay safe in the cold not only outside, but inside as well.