[StBernard] FEMA Trailers Pose Heating Risks During Cold Weather

[Westley Annis]

FEMA Trailers Pose Heating Risks During Cold Weather
   
TheNewOrleansChannel.com
2:49 p.m. CDT October 24, 2006

NEW ORLEANS - Thousands of people still live in the travel trailers provided
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency more than one year after
Hurricane Katrina. Watch The Story Now that the weather is starting to turn
cold, many people are turning on the heat in those trailers for the first
time this year. 

But there are concerns that without proper precautions, something as routine
as turning the heat on could turn to tragedy. FEMA officials warn that
heating a trailer poses more risks than heating a conventional home. 

On the outside of each FEMA trailer are exhaust vents that get very hot.
FEMA advises residents not to put anything next to them like debris, outdoor
furniture or shrubbery that can catch fire. 

?Sometimes you see mops and other kinds of things leaned up against this
area, and we want the residents just take a quick walk around to make sure
debris is away from the unit,? said Ed Taylor, a FEMA representative. 

Inside the trailers, FEMA said their units are not designed to handle space
heaters. 

?Some space heaters don't turn off if they're tipped over. That?s a big
concern,? cautioned Taylor. 

In addition, methods already considered unsafe for heating conventional
homes are considered even more dangerous in FEMA trailers. 

Many of the trailers have gas stoves, and some people may try to use them
for heat. 

This would give off carbon monoxide and could be a potential fire hazard. 

In a trailer that measures 8 feet by 36 feet, it wouldn?t take long for the
carbon monoxide to overcome the occupants. 

FEMA also suggests changing the batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke
detectors next weekend when daylight-saving time ends, if not before then,
for added protection. 

If you notice a safety problem with your FEMA trailer you can also call FEMA
at 888-294-2822.