Fire official offers space heater safety tips as community braves bitter blast
Atif Hussain pumps gas in Huntington and says he tries to limit his time outside.
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The cold night didn't stop people from bundling up and checking out the holiday lights in Huntington and the annual tree lighting in Wyandanch.
"I got the hat, I got the thermals, I got the coat, I got the scarf, and the hot cocoa," said Penelope Owens, of West Babylon.
Some choose to be outside in the cold. Others have no choice, as their job requires them to be outdoors.
Atif Hussain pumps gas in Huntington and says he tries to limit his time outside.
"Ten to 15 minutes if it's busy, then it's a problem, it's cold," said Hussain.
If you're trying to warm up this season with a space heater, Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Mike Uttaro says don't plug it in using an extension cord.
He says using extension cords can fail and lead to fires.
"Unfortunately, when we say 'fail,' the cord becomes overheated, it starts to melt, and it starts to burn," said Uttaro.
Fire officials recommend plugging a device like a space heater directly into a wall outlet, as extension cords can become overloaded and get very hot.
