Winter Safety Tips
Furnace Heating
It is important that you have your furnace inspected annually to insure that
it is in good working condition.
- Be sure all furnace controls
and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition. Leave furnace
repairs to qualified specialists.
- Check the flue pipes and pipe
seams. Are they well supported? Free of holes, and cracks? Soot along or
around seams may indicate a leak.
- Keep trash and other
combustibles away from the heating system.
Space Heaters
- Keep things that burn at least
3 feet away from space heaters.
- Turn off space heaters when
you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.
- Supervise children and pets at
all times when space heaters are in use. Even the slightest contact with a
heating coil or element can cause a severe burn.
- If you have an electric space
heater, check for frayed insulation, broken wires or overheating. Have all
problems repaired by a professional technician before operating.
- When buying space heaters,
look for devices with automatic shut-off features and heating element
guards.
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.
- Be sure the stove or fireplace
is installed properly. Woodstoves should have adequate clearance (36")
from combustible surfaces, and proper floor support and protection.
- 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 help prevent the possibility of
burns to occupants.
- 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 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.
- Is the chimney solid? Any
cracks or loose bricks? All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid
masonry
Other Fire Safety Tips
- Never discard hot ashes inside
or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from
the home.
- Never use a range or an oven
as a supplementary heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be
a source of potentially toxic fumes.
- If you use an electric heater,
be sure not to overload the circuit. Use only extension cords which have the
necessary rating to carry the amp load.
- Avoid using electric space
heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with
water.
- If windows are used as
emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should
strike. Be sure that all windows open easily; home escape ladders are
recommended.
- If there is a fire hydrant
near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the fire
hydrant clear of snow.
Finally...
Be sure every level of your home has a
working smoke detector, and be sure to check
and clean it on a monthly basis. Smoke
detectors won’t prevent fires from occurring, but they will greatly increase
your chances of escape should a fire occur.
Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and in every
bedroom.
More Fire Prevention
Tips...
If you have
questions or would like more information on any
of the fire prevention information show here please contact the
Pierre Fire Department by viewing our contact
page. |
