Communications

(Jan. 26, 2024) – Winter weather has settled upon Kansas, bringing cold temperatures and dangerously low wind chills. These conditions can be challenging for health care facilities.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal has received numerous phone calls and inquiries regarding the temporary use of space heaters to help regulate temperatures within the living spaces of nursing homes and other health care facilities.

Per the 2012 edition of NFPA 101, the Office of the State Fire Marshal does not permit the use of portable space-heating devices located within sleeping areas.

Portable space-heating devices are permissible to be used in nonsleeping staff and employee areas only, if the heating element does not exceed 212° F.

NFPA REFERENCE
19.7.8 Portable Space-Heating Devices. Portable space heating devices shall be prohibited in all health care occupancies unless both of the following criteria are met:

(1) Such devices are used only in nonsleeping staff and employee areas.
(2) The heating elements of such devices do not exceed 212° F (100° C).

Additionally, all health care facilities are required to have an emergency preparedness plan to address all potential hazards, including inclement weather and loss of heating and/or cooling. Facilities are directed to follow their emergency preparedness plan regarding how they should deal with the loss of heat.

All facilities are encouraged to review their emergency preparedness plan before each changing season to ensure your plan is feasible and meets your needs in all weather conditions.
--Ron Marshall