Tulsa Health Department officials met with representatives of the City of Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods (WIN) and the Fire Marshal’s Office today regarding the Chateau 68 Apartment complex. Repair work continues on the property to restore heat to residents. While the order to vacate remains in effect, at this time, residents are able to remain in their homes as long as the HVAC system can maintain adequate temperatures, and as long as long-term repairs are being made.
For the safety of residents of the complex, the Fire Marshal’s Office has put the property under a mandatory fire watch, which will remain in effect until all of the terms are met which include each unit within the complex maintaining 65 degrees without the aid of temporary alternate measures such as space heaters. Additionally, working smoke detectors must be installed along with carbon monoxide detectors in gas supplied units.
The property owners, who live out of state, were made aware of the concerns about the heating unit in July. They are now in town. THD officials along with WIN and representatives from the Fire Marshal’s office are meeting with the property owners today to determine their plan of action for repairs, a timeline for repairs, and plans for residents should repairs not be completed. City officials are working to post a flyer on the door of every unit today with resources from 211 for residents.
Residents are reminded of the importance of safety when using temporary alternate sources of heat like space heaters. The Tulsa Health Department offers these tips:
- If space heaters must be used, keep them three feet from anything that can burn and on a hard floor surface.
- Gas heaters must have safety devices and be approved to be used in some living spaces.
- Chimneys and wood burning stoves should be properly vented and properly cleaned and maintained
- Never use a cook stove to heat a living area.
- Space heaters should also be UL approved and be plugged directly into a wall socket.
- Buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, to shut off the heating element if the heater falls over.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Install and maintain smoke detectors in your home.