Use Precaution & Common Sense Operating Heating Systems This Winter!

When we think of portable heaters, we think of convenience and energy savings. We think mostly of keeping warm through those cold winter nights! What we should also be thinking about is that heating fires are a large cause of home fires in the country and many are caused by portable heating devices.



In 2011, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,600 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 400 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $893 million in direct property damage. These fires accounted for 14% of all reported home fires..
Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (33%) of home heating fires and four out of five (81%) of home heating fire deaths.



The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
More fires occur during the winter months than at any other time. Fortunately, taking simple precautions can prevent most fires.

The Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention Blog recommends the following safety tips &  precautions below to help ensure your safety:

Portable Heaters
* Put at least three feet of empty space between the heater and everything else.
* Vacuum and clean the dust and lint from all heaters.
* If the cord gets hot, frayed or cracked, have the heater serviced.
* Never use extension cords with portable electric heaters.
* Turn off portable heaters when leaving or sleeping.
* An adult should always be present when anyone is using a space heater around children.
* Make sure your portable electric heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off function.

Woodstove and Fireplace Safety

* Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace.

* Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that burns.

* To prevent flue fires, burn dry, well-seasoned wood.

* Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass. If children are present, use a special child-guard screen.

Generators

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You cannot see or smell it. A generator's exhaust contains poisonous CO, which can kill you in a matter of minutes. Follow these important generator safety tips:

* Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.

* Place portable generators outside only, far away from the home. Keep the generator away from openings to the home, including doors, windows, and vents.

* Read the label on the generator and the owner's manual, and follow the instructions.

* Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside each sleeping area.

* Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy. CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

* Be sure generator fuel is properly and safely stored.

* Always refuel the generator outdoors and away from any ignition sources.

* If you choose to have a generator permanently connected to your home's electrical system, make sure a licensed electrician installs it and be sure to notify your electric company.

Candles

* Place candles in sturdy, fireproof candleholders where they cannot be knocked over.

* Make sure all candles are out before going to bed or leaving the house.

* Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of children's reach.

* Keep candles away from Christmas trees, evergreen clippings, decorations, presents, and wrapping paper.

Smoke Detectors and Alarms

* Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.

* Test (monthly) and vacuum your smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working.

* Smoke alarms 10 years old or older need to be replaced with new units.

Home Escape Plans

* Know two ways out of every room.

* Practice your escape plan with your whole family at least twice a year.

* Do not attempt to go back into a burning home.

For more winter fire safety tips from the USFA: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/winter.shtm

For additional tips from the National Fire Protection Association: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Smoke Detector's Monthly Test !!!

Every month, be it in the beginning OF, the middle of, or toward the end of but at lest once a month "TEST YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS" in the home

Don't let thoughts keep you from doing that monthly test of your early warning of smoke & fire!

For many of us, the nice spring weather that is with us now is a reminder that it is time to work on that spring cleaning checklist.

As we many begin the cleaning and clearing the debris that accumulated over the winter month, it's recommend that all should add home fire safety to their list.

To assist in fire proofing the home during the spring season consider the following fire safety tips:

* Check, clean, TEST your smoke alarm(s).

* Check, clean, TEST your Carbon monoxide alarm(s).

* Check your fire extinguisher.

* Make sure electrical electrical outlets and extension cords are not overloaded.

* Have air conditioning units and other electrical appliances checked by a licensed professional

* Clear your basement and attics from old papers, oily rags and broken furniture.

* Make sure all fire exits or escapes routes that are indicated in your fire escape are clear of any debris and are not blocked off.

* Inspect your charcoal gas grills.

* Spread mulch at least a foot away from the house with a not combustible barrier in between, such as rock.

* Finally, when you are finishing spring cleaning make sure all cleaning products are stored in child safety latched drawers and cabinets with the original labels.

Smoke Detector's & Smoke Alarm's BEEP, BEEP BEEP: A Sound You Can Live With!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Smoke Alarms… What You Need To Know

A reminder to check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when turning back the clocks this Saturday in observance of Daylight Saving Time.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY TODAY

In the event of a fire, properly install and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and knows both your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.

***Your Smoke Alarm Quiz***

The Smoke Alarms In My Home:

Are installed on every level especially near sleeping areas?

Are tested once a month?

Have their batteries replaced with new ones at least once a year? We recommend that you change your batteries when you set your clocks in the Spring and again in the Fall.

Are vacuum over and kept free of dust?

Have their batteries replaced and are retested, should they start making a “chirping noise?”

Are replaced with new smoke alarms smoke alarms every 10 years?

DID YOU ANSWER “NO” TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS?

If so, keep reading to learn answers to most common questions about life-saving smoke alarms.

WHY SHOULD MY HOME HAVE SMOKE ALARMS?

In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

OKAY, WHERE DO I PUT THEM?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.

Also, smoke alarm should be installed at ceilings or above eye level on the walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, install your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

WHERE WOULD I GET SMOKE ALARMS?

Many hardware stores, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions.

ARE SMOKE ALARMS HARD TO INSTALL?

Not a bit. In most cases all you need is a screwdriver. Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or ceiling where their placed. However, be sure to follow the directions from manufacture because each brand is different. If you're uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend to for help.

HOW DO I KEEP MY SMOKE ALARM WORKING?

Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to remember:

Simply replace the batteries twice a year. Tip: Change the batteries when you set your clocks in the Spring and in the Fall. Some smoke alarms on the market come with a ten-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for better replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a “chirping” noise, replaced the batteries and retest it.

Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.

WHAT IF THE ALARM GOES OFF WHEN I’M COOKING?

Then it's doing its job, do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarm due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.

HOW LONG WILL MY SMOKE ALARM LAST?

About eight-to-ten years, after which they should be replaced. Like most electronic devices smoke alarms wear out. You may want to write to purchase date on with a marker on the inside of you unit. That way, you'll know when to replace it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery back-ups. It's important to test every smoke alarm monthly. And always use new batteries when replacing old ones.

For More Information On this Subject and Other Related Subjects Go To The United States Fire Administration.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Homes Must Have Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control (OFPC) is working to ensure homeowners are aware of the hazards of carbon monoxide and the new state law, known as Amanda’s Law, which, as of February 22, 2010, requires all residences, both new and existing, to have carbon monoxide alarms installed.


The law is named for Amanda Hansen, 16, of West Seneca, who was found unconscious at a friend's house in January 2009. Officials later determined she had been exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide in the home's basement, where she and her friend were having a sleepover. She later died at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

“Carbon monoxide alarms save lives,” said State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison, adding that carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. “More than 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and over than 10,000 people are injured, including, on average, 100 New Yorkers.”

Carbon monoxide can be produced when burning any fuel such as; gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, kerosene, oil, wood, or coal. If any flammable or combustible material burns incompletely, carbon monoxide is produced. Carbon monoxide can kill in minutes or hours depending on the level of carbon monoxide in the air.

“We expect that the most frequently asked questions will be about the requirement for existing one and two family residences,” Deputy State Fire Administrator, John F. Mueller said. “Now these homes will be required to have one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area.”

Homes built before Jan. 1, 2008, will be permitted to have battery-powered alarms, Mueller said, while homes built after that date will need to have the alarms hard-wired in. Additionally, Amanda's Law will require contractors in New York State to install a carbon monoxide alarm when replacing a fuel-fired hot water tank or furnace if the home is not equipped with an alarm.

Although specific requirements differ slightly for new and existing residences, the intent of the law is to help save lives from a silent, odorless and colorless killer.

“OFPC has been a staunch advocate for carbon monoxide detection,” Chief Paul D. Martin of the OFPC Bureau of Fire Prevention said. “With fire departments across the state responding to more than 40,000 CO emergencies each year, the early detection and alarm afforded by a carbon monoxide alarm is going to go far toward preventing tragic deaths like Amanda’s.”

OFPC is committed to increasing public awareness of carbon monoxide and the change in state law with a new Public Service Announcement developed through a public-private partnership with the Kidde Corporation.

Reference Link: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/firewww.html

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; this is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)