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Winter
Fire Prevention Advice
WATCH
WHAT YOU HEAT!
Winter Fire prevention advice from the National Fire Protection Association.
Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United
States, and in the winter months, fire is the leading cause of residential
fires.
Most heating equipment fires start as a result of misuse or improper
maintenance. When purchasing new heating equipment, be sure to select
products that have been tested and approved by an independent testing
laboratory. Install and maintain heating equipment correctly, and be sure it
complies with local fire building codes.
PORTABLE AND OTHER SPACE
HEATERS
Portable and space heaters can be either electric or fueled by gas, liquid
fuel (kerosene), or solid fuel (wood or coal). All types must be placed at
least 36 inches (1 meter) away from anything that can burn, such as
wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets and people. Never leave space heaters
operating when you are not in the room. Or when you go to sleep. Don’t leave
children or pets unattended with space heaters, and be sure everyone
understand that drying clothing or placing combustibles over heaters is a
fire hazard. If you have an electric space heater check each season for
fraying or splitting wires and overheating. Have all problems repaired by a
professional before operating the space heater.
PORTABLE KEROSENE HEATERS
If you have a liquid fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by
the manufacturer. Never use gasoline or any other substitute fuel, because
the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment’s design limits and
cause a fire. When refueling, always turn off the heater and let it cool
down before adding fuel. Wipe up any spills promptly. If you are considering
a kerosene heater, be sure to check with your local fire department before
purchasing to find out if it is legal in your community. Store the kerosene
away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire
department, and be sure it is clearly marked with the fuel name.
FIREPLACES
Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every
heating season and cleaned if necessary because creosote, a chemical substance that
forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if
not properly cleaned. Always protect your home and your family by using a
sturdy screen when burning fires. Remember to burn only wood- never burn
paper or pine boughs, which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof
or a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. If you
are purchasing a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by a testing
laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes.
WOOD STOVES
Be sure your wood or coal stove bears the label of a recognized testing
laboratory and meets local fire codes. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations for proper installation, use and maintenance. Chimney
connections and chimney flues should be inspected at the beginning of each
heating season and cleaned periodically. Follow the same safety rules for
wood stoves as you would for space heaters. Burn only wood, and be sure the
wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from
heat and hot embers. Check with your local fire department and local code of
officials before having your wood stove installed.
CAUTION
- Portable LP gas (Propane) Heaters with self contained fuel supplies
(cabinet heaters) are prohibited for home use by NFPA fire safety standards.
Fire Safety Tips
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL
• In case of fire go to your
neighbor’s home to call.
• Teach your children how to get emergency help.
PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRE
• Create a safety zone around
your home by clearing flammable vegetation.
• Keep your roof clear of leaves and needles.
• Discuss community fire safety with your neighbors.
USE ELECTRICITY SAFELY
• Replace any cord that is
cracked or frayed. If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell and
unplug.
• Use the proper size fuses in your fuse box.
STORE ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF
GASOLINE IN AN APPROVED SAFETY CONTAINER OUTSIDE THE HOME
• Use it as a motor fuel only, not
for cleaning.
SECURITY BARS ON WINDOWS CAN TRAP YOU IN A FIRE
• Use bars which have a quick release mechanism that everyone in the family
can operate.
FIRE WON’T WAIT, PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
• Have an escape plan that includes
two ways out of each room and a meeting place outside the home.
• Practice it with the whole family at least twice a year.
MATCHES OR LIGHTERS CAN BE DEADLY
IN THE HANDS OF A CHILD
• Use child resistant lighters.
• Store all matches and lighters up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
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