Safety corner/winter fire safety

Published 12:54 am Tuesday, December 23, 2008

By Staff
During the winter months, residential fires are more prevalent than they are in the spring or summer.
This is due in part to an increase in the number of cooking and heating fires.
With colder temperatures and the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities, many people resort to using fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and other alternative heating methods to keep warm.
All of these methods of heating are acceptable; however, they are also major contributors to residential fires.
Many of these fires can be prevented!
The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter.
Did you know?
In the winter, structure fires increase, although total fires decrease.
A substantial portion of the structure fire increase is caused by heating fires.
In an average year, heating is the cause of 17 percent of structure fires; however, during the winter, heating fires jump to 27 percent of structure fires.
Heating fires are concentrated in late fall through mid-winter (December-February), during winter holidays and the coldest months.
Since colder temperatures result in longer operating time for heating equipment, there is more opportunity for that equipment to cause a fire.
Wood stoves
and fireplaces
Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes.
Careful attention to safety can minimize their fire hazard.
To use them safely:
Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly.
Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces, such as curtains, furniture.
Proper floor support and protection should also be provided.
Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design.
Purchase wood stoves evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
Never burn charcoal indoors.
Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel.
A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials.
Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package.
NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
Furnaces
It is important that you have your furnace inspected to insure that it is in good working condition.
Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
Do not attempt repairs yourself: leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists.
Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak. Is the chimney solid? Inspect the chimney for cracks or loose bricks.
All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.
Kerosene heaters
Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.
Please remember that per the City of Dowagiac Building Code, the use of kerosene heaters in the home are allowed as long as it is not the primary heat source for the home.
Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting.
Burning fuel (coal, kerosene or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.
Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.
NEVER introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel.
Keep kerosene or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well- ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.
NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. Follow manufacturer's instructions. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. Cold fuel may expand in the tank as it warms up.
Refueling should be done outside of the home (or outdoors). Keep young children away from space heaters – especially when they are wearing pajamas or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited.
When using a fuel-burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
Winter storm fire safety
Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards.
Damaged or downed utility lines can present a fire and life safety hazard.
Water-damaged appliances and utilities can be electrically charged.
Frozen water pipes can burst and cause safety hazards.
Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
Generators are often used during power outages.
Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be hazardous.
Snow safety alert
Remember to clear hydrants on or near your property of snow to allow firefighters quick access in the case of a fire.
Seconds count in emergency response. Do your part to help us serve you!
Holiday travel
The recent sleet and heavy snow falls, coupled with high winds and sub-zero wind chills, bring special challenges and require additional planning as we prepare our vehicles for winter holiday travel.
Be sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition to prevent break-downs on roadways
Pack warm coats, hats, scarves, gloves and blankets for use in the event that you get stuck or delayed due to accidents and/or heavy holiday traffic.
Include a shovel and bag of salt/sand/cat litter in your trunk.
Pack a safety kit of bottled water, granola bars, hand warmers and infant supplies
Flashlights/extra batteries, road maps, compass, tire repair kit, flares, booster cables, tow rope and knife may also be needed.
Communication is vital – maintain cell phone battery charge and pack a battery-powered radio/extra batteries.
Remember to maintain a speed that is safe for current road/weather conditions, use lights to improve visibility of your vehicle and take time to PLAN YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE by researching and heeding weather advisory, watch and warning updates.
From the families of the Dowagiac Police and Fire Departments, we hope that these tips will help keep you and your family safe during the winter season.
By working together, we can all make the 2008 holiday season a little brighter and safer in Dowagiac and the surrounding communities. If you have specific safety questions or have topics you would like to see in future Safety Corner editions, please call Patty (Carlisle) Klug at the Dowagiac Police Department (269) 782-9743.