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.)

December, January, February peak months for heating fires...

While a warm home and a hot meal on a cold winter’s day may conjure up thoughts of safety and security, the unfortunate reality is that winter is the leading time of year for home fires in the United States. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) have teamed up to help prevent home fires in the winter months.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA there are more house fires during the winter than any other season.

Through a jointly sponsored initiative – Put a Freeze on Winter Fires – NFPA and USFA are working collaboratively to tell the public about ways to stay fire-safe this winter. The effort targets home heating and cooking, which represent the two leading causes of U.S. home fires. Both types of fires peak in the winter months.

“The use of heating equipment largely contributes to the peak in U.S. home fires during the winter months,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The USFA reports that nationally, on average, winter residential fires result in an estimated 945 deaths, 3,800 injuries and $1.7 billion in property damage. However, the USFA said there are simple things you can do for these next few, cold months to maintain a fire-safe home.

It said winter fires happen more often mostly because of an increase in cooking and heating fires, and winter storms that knock out power cause people to turn to alternative heating sources, raising their risk.

Winter Fire Safety

According to NFPA’s most recent report, “Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment,” home heating equipment was involved in an estimated 57,100 reported home structure fires, 490 civilian deaths, 1,530 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage in 2010.

Stationary and portable space heaters accounted for one-third (32 percent) of reported home heating fires, but 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths, two-thirds (67 percent) of associated civilian injuries, and half (52 percent) of associated direct property damage.

“Space heaters clearly present the greatest risk of home heating fires,” said Carli. “No matter what type of heating system people may use, we can all reduce our risk by taking simple safety precautions.”

Below are tips for safely heating your home this winter: 

* All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. 

* Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

* Never use your oven to heat your home.

* Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

*Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected and cleaned each year by a qualified professional.

* Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

* Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

* Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

*Test all smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries once a year, or when they begin to chirp, which means the batteries are running low.

* Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test the alarms monthly.

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/categoryList.asp?categoryID=2103&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Holidays/

Checklist for safely preparing for the heating season: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//Public%20Education/Top10WinterFreezeTips.pdf 

(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.)