Howell Fire Officials Urge Caution With Space Heaters In Cold

HOWELL, NJ — In the aftermath of the devastating fire that took the lives of 19 people in the Bronx and was caused by a space heater, the Howell Township Fire Bureau warned residents about fire safety with space heaters.

According to the National Weather Service Mount Holly station, Tuesday will be our coldest day in nearly three years.

"The brisk northwest wind will make it feel about 10 to 15 degrees colder than the actual air temperature," the agency wrote.

With the cold temperatures Monmouth County is facing this week, fire officials urged residents to follow the following safety rules when using a space heater:

• •Be sure to keep your space heater at least three feet from bedding, curtains and other materials.
• •Avoid using electric space heaters in the bathroom or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
• •Never use an extension cord with a space heater, and turn off/unplug the heater when you leave the room.
• •Purchase a space heater with a thermostat and automatic shut-off, and make sure it includes the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Mark.
• •The use of kerosene or propane space heaters poses a high risk of injury or death and should not be used indoors.

See below for safety information:

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