The Town of Chapel Hill is warning about the possible dangers of space heaters in your home or office this winter.

Chapel Hill’s Community Safety Communications Specialist Ran Northam says if left on over night or unattended for a prolonged time period, space heaters could cause serious damage.

“Quite often in business settings we see them tucked under desks where people can get the heat right onto their feet,” says Northam. “Those can be extremely dangerous situations.”

While cleaning and properly maintaining space heaters is extremely important, Northam says testing for carbon monoxide leaks in heaters that rely on fuel sources such as kerosene could save lives.

“[Carbon monoxide poisoning] is a very, very dangerous thing that can go unnoticed without those monitors, so we ask that you have the detectors, and that you also test them regularly,” says Northam.

The initiative is part of a larger goal for the Chapel Hill Fire Department to reach out to the community more on the topic of fire prevention.

“They’re constantly looking at new programs and new ways to get out in the community,” says Northam. “To knock on a door and say ‘do you have a working fire alarm, fire detector, smoke detector? Have you tested it lately? Can we help you with that?”

The fire department also receives funding to supply smoke detectors to the public.

Related Stories
‹
Town of Chapel Hill to Paint 'Walking Lanes' in Neighborhood
In an effort to create a safer space for pedestrians, the Town Of Chapel Hill will paint designated "walking lanes."
With Vehicle Breaks-Ins Rising, Chapel Hill Police Issue Safety Tips
While Chapel Hill often sees vehicle break-ins during the summer months, this year has seen an increased amount. The town’s police department is issuing guidance to alert the community of the crimes and provide tips to protect valuables. A release from Chapel Hill on Wednesday said 215 cases of breaking and entering to motor vehicles have […]
Orange County Approves Bridge Funding to Continue Housing Displaced Chantal Flood Victims
Orange County recently approved bridge funding to help residents displaced as a result of Chantal flood damage.
New Chapel Hill Crosswalk Under Construction at Site of Past Pedestrian Collisions
The Town of Chapel Hill and North Carolina Department of Transportation partnered to add a crosswalk, pedestrian island and RRFBs (rectangular rapid flashing beacons) to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Labor Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County Community (2025)
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, September 1, […]
Facing End of Temporary Shelter, Displaced Camelot Village Residents Lament Landlord Inaction and Limited Options
Some flood victims from Camelot Village have not received July rent or security deposits back even as they face financial and housing strains.
New Chapel Hill Stop Added to NCDOT Intercity Bus Service
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s intercity bus service is adding a new stop in Chapel Hill. Buses will pick up passengers at the Eubanks Park and Ride Lot in Chapel Hill four times a day. The lot is located at 2000 Eubanks Road in the Carraway Village mixed-use development. The intercity service is operated […]
Chapel Hill: Mayor Pro Tem Amy Ryan on Good Neighbor Initiative, Flood Response and Upcoming Events
Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tempore Amy Ryan joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Thursday, August 14.
Our Town: The Story of Summer in Chapel Hill
This month, Nikki Cherry and Karin Michel and from Parks and Recreation and the Library tell the story of making the summer season fun for kids and families in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill: Reflecting 1 Month After Floods, Welcoming Town Manager and Preparing for UNC's Return
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Thursday, August 7 for "Conversations with the Mayors."
›