If you park your car outside, chances are you’ll have to plug it in when temperatures fall below freezing.
But, you should never plug in your car if it’s inside a garage. If your extension cord or block heater fails, a fire can start. A fire in your garage can lead to major damage or injury.
Fire risks
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires that start in plugged-in cars in garages each year.
If your car is parked in a garage, do not plug it in. A garage is enclosed and it’s much easier for those fires to spread quickly before you or someone else notices. These fires can move so fast that sometimes the whole house is at risk by the time emergency crews arrive.
Check for damage
Extension cords and block heaters can easily be damaged and catch fire. This is why you should examine the cords attached to your vehicle.
Replace them if you notice any of the wires have been nicked or are fraying. They should also be replaced if they have been run over or if you have driven away with the vehicle still plugged in.
The block heater cord is near the bottom of the vehicle. This means it can get corroded from the salt and sand on our roads. Being exposed to the weather can also wear them down.
Get a mechanic to check your block heater annually to ensure it is safe to use.
If you see an out-of-control fire, get out of the building, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
Originally published December 10, 2018