Harris County Fire Marshal Office - Experts & Thought Leaders

With temperatures across Harris County expected to fall below freezing this weekend, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages everyone to practice heating safety. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths but can be prevented by following a few fire safety precautions. “Harris County is expected to experience a very cold air mass in the next few days, with temperatures below freezing for extended periods of time,” said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. "We want everyone to practice heating safety. Proper use of space heaters and other home heating equipment is essential to keeping your family fire-safe and warm during this winter weather event." heating safety tips The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages residents to follow these heating safety tips: Place space heaters on solid, flat surfaces. Also, make sure the space heater has an automatic shut off in case it tips over. Check space heaters for cracked or damaged cords and plugs. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, don’t use an extension cord or power strip. Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Create a “kid-free zone” three feet from open fires and space heaters. Never use the oven to heat the home. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Test the smoke alarms monthly. home heating equipment Half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of Dec., Jan., and Feb. Space heaters are the most common cause of home heating equipment fires. Along with practicing home heating safety, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office recommends testing the smoke alarms monthly and creating and practicing a home fire escape plan. The mission of the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is to safeguard the lives and property of the residents in Harris County through effective fire prevention, fire investigation, education, emergency response, and emergency management.

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office coordinated an innovative medication mail-in program via the University of Houston, local fire departments, and Harris County Commissioner's Offices. The goal of this program is to encourage the proper disposal of prescription medication, limit the availability of high-risk prescription medications in homes, and reduce accidental poisonings and overdoses. "This program allows community members to safely mail in unused or expired medications for proper disposal," said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. "Fire departments are in the heart of our neighborhoods where people can easily access this program and Harris County Commissioner's Offices are also helping pass out takeaway envelops at events and placing boxes where people need them most. There is no cost to the community or participating departments. We know this program will save lives and help protect the environment, which is why we wanted to be involved." Educating The Community Participating fire departments and commissioners' offices were provided a box, takeaway envelopes, educational flyers, and social media graphics. Each organization was responsible for installing the box on the outside of their building, filling it with takeaway envelopes, and helping promote/educate their community about the program. Some organizations pass out takeaway bags at drive-through food sites and other events. Participating In The Program To use the program, simply stop by any participating location and obtain a takeaway envelope. Remove the postcard from inside the envelope and answer the questions. Place any medications you wish to dispose of inside the envelope. Seal the envelope and drop off the envelope and postcard in your mailbox or at the post office. The pre-paid envelopes are sent to a DEA registered reverse distributor and collector for proper disposal. This project is funded through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through Texas Health and Human Services (THHSC) to the University of Houston-College of Pharmacy-Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy and meets all requirements of the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010.

Fireworks are beautiful but are very dangerous if not used properly. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages anyone who chooses to use consumer fireworks to practice fireworks safety or find alternative ways to celebrate. “Fireworks safety is paramount as we continue to battle COVID-19,” said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. “If you choose to use consumer fireworks, please read the cautionary labels and dispose of your fireworks properly. Doctors, nurses and first responders are still working hard fighting COVID-19 and we do not want fireworks injuries adding to their already tough jobs.” Safety Tips The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages residents to follow these recommended safety tips: Follow the law. Make sure fireworks are legal in your community Read and follow the directions and warning labels on fireworks packaging Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks Light only one firework at a time Do not point fireworks at homes, buildings, or people Never consume alcohol or drugs while shooting fireworks Make sure there is a bucket of water or water source nearby for emergencies and to soak used fireworks prior to disposing of them in the trash Be considerate of neighbors when it comes to noise and the trash left behind Pets and fireworks don’t mix. The loud noises can cause pets to become anxious or afraid. Sparklers may seem safe, but sparklers burn more than six times hotter than boiling water. Consider ringing in 2021 with fireworks alternatives, such as glow sticks.