MENTOR, Ohio — The impending winter storm will bring high winds that could knock out power, so fire departments want everyone to know how to heat their home safely if that happens. 

What You Need To Know

  • Make sure your generator is outside and at least 20 feet away from the house
  • Do not place anything on a space heater
  • Look for snow building up on natural gas equipment like meters, regulators, and vents — and remove it using a broom or brush
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Mentor Fire Department officials said gas appliances and generators are safe to use during a power outage, but it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Firefighter Rollin Pachinger said they are ready to help, but they also want the community to know how to stay safe.

"If the power goes out and you are going to use something like a generator, you want to make sure the generator is outside at least 20 feet away from the house with the exhaust facing away from the windows and doors," he said. "CO (carbon monoxide) can potentially cause harm and illnesses to people, so we want to make sure we are safely using those."

Space heaters can keep you warm, but if used improperly, they can also cause a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters have been involved in 81% of fatal house fires caused by heating equipment.

"Space heaters, if you are going to use them, use them safely. We don't want any comforters or blankets draped over, we do not want them too close to curtains because they will become a fire hazard," Pachinger said.

The Mentor Fire Department will be fully staffed for the duration of the storm and its aftermath, even if it means firefighters missing the holidays with their families.

"It’s definitely not fun when you have to miss the holidays away from your family and all that. However, this is a career we all signed up for, we love helping people, we love being involved in our community, and that’s kind of why we got into this," Pachinger said.