Winter Fire Safety

As the economy gets tougher and tougher and fuel prices continue to be at record highs we know everyone is searching for ways to save money, conserve energy and find alternative heating sources.  With this also comes increased risk of fires, accidents, and at worst loss of lives.   Here are a list of a few winter fire safety tips that we hope will help everyone have a safe and warm winter.

Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room ventilation. Burning fuel (kerosene, coal, propane) can cause a buildup of DEADLY fumes such as carbon monoxide that are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  Install Carbon Monoxide detectors as they are the only way to alert you to this potential deadly problem.  Change batteries in smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors at least once a year but preferably each time we change our clocks.  If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning: dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue; go out to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Do no re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped personnel.

• Furnace Heating:  Be sure all furnace controls and Emergency shut offs function properly.  Leave all furnace repairs to a qualified technician.  Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney.  If the wall is hot or discolored additional pipe insulation or clearance may be needed.  Is the chimney solid or are their cracks and loose bricks?  Have a mason repair the brick if necessary.
• Kerosene Heaters:  Use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.  Never introduce fuel that is not intended as it may cause a fire or explosion.  Be sure it has an emergency shut off in case the unit tips over.  Refueling should be done outside the home when the unit has had time to cool.  Keep kerosene and other flammable liquids stored in metal containers in well ventilated areas outside of the home.
• Space Heaters:  Do not overload a circuit by adding a space heater.  A very common cause of fire and fatal fire from space heaters is using an underrated extension cord that does not have the necessary amp to carry the load.  Choose an extension cord that is equal or larger to the diameter of the cord of the unit.  Keep children away from them as they can cause serious injury and or death.  Avoid using space heaters in bathrooms and any other locations where they may come in contact with water.
• Wood Stoves and Fire Places: Wood Stoves and Fire Places are becoming very popular again.  Be sure that the stove or fire place is installed properly.  Wood Stoves should have 36” of clearance from combustible surfaces and have proper floor support and protection.  Have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually, especially if it has not been used in awhile.  DO NOT use any flammable liquids to start or accelerate the fire.  The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to minimize creosote buildup reducing the risk of having a chimney fire and then possibly a house fire.  Do not use excessive paper as this may ignite creosote.  Do not burn trash as this can also cause unsafe burning temperatures and the buildup of creosote both leading to fires.  If using synthetic logs follow the directions and never use more than one at a time.  Use a glass or metal screen to keep sparks from flying out, other materials from falling in, and people from being burned.  Keep flammables away from mantel as a spark could ignite them.  Before you go to sleep make sure your fire is out.  Never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.  A closed damper allows the fire to heat up again and releases deadly carbon monoxide into the house.  Never burn charcoal inside as it releases large amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Generators:  Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of structure (home, office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified electrician has properly installed the generator with a transfer switch. Always plug electrical appliances directly into the generator using the manufacturer's supplied cords or extension cords that are grounded (3-pronged). Inspect the cord to make sure they are fully intact and not damaged. Never use frayed or damaged extension cords. Keep a generator dry; do not use it in the rain or in wet conditions. If needed, protect a generator with a canopy.  Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Make sure a generator has three to four feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation. Be cautious when using a generator outdoors to ensure it is not placed near doors, windows, and vents could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied areas. Before refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool. Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are properly designed and marked for their contents, and vented. Keep fuel containers away from flame producing and heat generating devices (such as the generator itself, water heaters, cigarettes, lighters, and matches). Do not smoke around fuel containers.
• If your pipes freeze never use a torch to thaw them.  Use hot water or a UL blow dryer to slowly thaw them out.  Keep your heat at least 55 degrees to minimize the risk of pipes freezing and possible water damage.
• Find a neighbor you trust and give them emergency contact names and numbers and a key to your house if possible.  Neighbors can provide us with this key in an event of an emergency when you are not around.
• Many people will be using candles to decrease their dependence and use of electricity.  Never leave a candle unattended.  Make sure all candles are extinguished before leaving your home or falling asleep.  Use approved candle holders. Never allow them to burn near combustible materials, drapes, etc.  During 2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $539 million. Homes include dwellings, duplexes, manufactured housing and apartments.
• If you have a fire hydrant near your house please help the fire department by shoveling them out to keep them clear and accessible.
• Practice escape plans with your family and children.

If you have any further questions about safety in your home contact the fire department.  Have a safe rest of the year.

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.

• Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence. Place them outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen.

• Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is one of the most common causes of accidental poisoning in the United States. It is a gas that has no color, odor, or taste. The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can resemble food poisoning or influenza. Symptoms may include headache, weakness, nausea and fatigue. The next stages may include vomiting, chest pain, and confusion and finally unconsciousness, convulsions and death.

Young children and pets may be the first to be effected. However, people who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever having symptoms.

If you think you, a friend, or a family member are showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, consult a health care professional right away.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, follow these safety tips:

• Purchase a carbon monoxide detector. It works just like a smoke detector to sound an alarm when carbon monoxide in the air reaches hazardous levels.
• Never use a generator indoors; not in garages, crawl spaces or basements.
• Outside, do not put a generator near any household doors, windows, or vents that could let carbon monoxide seep inside the home.
• Do not operate a barbeque grill indoors or in an enclosed porch or garage, even with the door open.
• Do not use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
• Do not adjust the stove pilot lights yourself.
• Do not leave a vehicle running inside an attached garage.
• If you think you have a carbon monoxide problem in your home, leave the house immediately and call your local fire department.

Fire Extinguishers

Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.

To Operate a Fire Extinguisher:

1. Take extinguisher from mounting bracket.

2. Remove locking pin. Get into a crouching position on the upwind side of the fire.

3. Point extinguisher nozzle at base of fire and squeeze the lever or handle.

4. Discharge using a sweeping motion from side to side at the base of the fire.