Home Heating and Cold Weather Safety Tips:
en Español

This winter will prove challenging for many homeowners due to high fuel costs. 

The City of Madison Building Inspection Unit is offering some winter safety reminders.

• Maintain your furnace for maximum efficiency. Call a qualified heating contractor for inspections of the furnace, water heater, vents and chimney.  Change the furnace filter at recommended intervals. 

• If you have plastic furnace vents on the side of the house, keep them clear of snow and leaves.  

• Do not use your gas or electric oven for space heating.

• Un-vented appliances such as kerosene heaters are not legal for use in homes or apartments.

• Put fresh batteries in carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors and thermostats annually.

• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible toxic gas.  Be alert for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning - headaches, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness or burning in the eyes and nose.  If you suspect carbon monoxide, open doors and windows immediately.  Then leave the area and contact a heating contractor to evaluate and repair the faulty appliance.  If someone is seriously ill or unconscious, call 911.

• If you smell a persistent odor of natural gas:

  • Open windows.

  • Do not flip light switches or use the telephone.

  • Go to another location and call MGE at 252-1111 or Alliant at 1-800-862-6263

• Do not use electric space heaters in bathrooms or other areas near water.
• Do not overload outlets or extension cords used for electric space heaters.  Do not run extension cords under rugs or across walking areas
• Inspect electric blankets for good condition and follow manufacturer's instructions
• When working on the exterior of the house, keep ladders away from overhead electric lines.
• Do not store or use flammable liquids near appliances with open flames such as water heaters, furnaces and stoves.
• Do not obstruct heat ducts, cool air returns or any heat source.  State law and local ordinance require that heating systems be capable of maintaining inside temperature at a minimum of 67°F. 
• Burn wood safely.  If installing a new wood burning or solid fuel appliance, obtain a heating permit and have the installation inspected.  Dispose of ash safely outside
• Clean and inspect your chimney flue regularly if you have an appliance that uses a solid fuel such as wood
• Complaints about inadequate heat in a rental property should first be made to the owner or manager of the property.  If the problem is not remedied in a reasonable length of time, a complaint can be filed with the Housing Section of the Building Inspection Unit by calling 266-4551.

The following social service agencies provide services for a variety of individuals in Madison and Dane County.

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