According to the United State Fire Administration, residential fires are more common in the winter months than in spring or summer. This is because of the increase in heating and cooking fires. The following safety tips will help you have a fire-safe home this winter.
Fireplace and wood Stoves
The use of fireplace and wood burning stoves are becoming a common heat source in homes due to the cost of other energy sources.
• Make sure fireplaces or stoves are installed properly. There should be at least 36 inches of clearance from any combustible materials and surfaces.
• Wood stoves should be evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory.
• The chimney should be inspected and cleaned yearly. It is important to get this done if the fireplace or stove has not been used in a while.
•Use only approved fire starters to start your fire. Do not use other sources such as gasoline or lighter fluid.
• To keep embers or sparks from jumping out of the fireplace, keep a glass or metal screen in front of the opening.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day to help reduce the amount of creosote buildup. This should be done for 15 to 30 minutes each time.
• Do not use large amounts of paper to start a fire. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney.
• Keep flammable materials from your mantle.
• Before you go to sleep make sure the fire in the fireplace is out. Never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. Closing the damper with hot ashes will help the fire heat up again and force deadly carbon monoxide into the house.
• Follow directions closely if you choose to use synthetic logs. Never break synthetic logs apart or use more than one at a time.
Furnaces
Furnaces need to be inspected to make sure they are in good working order.
• Make sure emergency shutoffs and controls are in good working order.
• Repairs should be completed by qualified professionals.
•Have the furnace and all flue pipes inspected by a professional on an annual basis.
• Keep all combustibles away from the heating system.
Kerosene Heaters
• Make sure the heater is in good working order. Inspect exhaust for carbon buildup. The heater needs to have an emergency shutoff in case the unit gets tipped over.
• Do not use fuel burning appliances without proper ventilation. Doing so could cause the area to be filled with deadly toxic fumes.
• Keep fuels stored outside in a well-ventilated area in approved metal containers.
• Never fill the unit when its hot or operating. Avoid over filling the unit – all refueling should be outdoors.
• Keep all children at least 36 inches from the heating unit.
Gas Safety
If you think there is a gas leak in your house leave the house immediately and leave the door open. Call the fire department from your neighbors home or a phone outside your house. Do not re-enter the house until the fire department has cleared you to go back in. Do not turn on the gas until the system is inspected by a professional.
Remember to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and have a family escape plan.
If you have any further questions, please contact Lt. Kevin Hughes at 307-421-9728.
