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Winter Heating Safety
Statistics show that one third of all American households
use fire places, wood stoves, and other fuel fired appliances as the primary
source for heat in their homes. In our area, the percentage of homes using
wood for heat is probably much higher. The New Martinsville Fire
Department wants everyone to understand the inherent fire dangers associated
with heating with wood and other solid fuels.
Heating fires account for 37% of all residential structure fires in rural areas
and are often associated with creosote buildup within chimneys and stove pipes.
All home heating systems require annual maintenance and inspection to keep them
safe from fire dangers.
The NMFD and the U.S. Fire Administration encourage households using these types
of heat sources to follow the safety tips listed below. Remember, your
homes fire safety is personal responsibity.
KEEP FIRE PLACES AND WOODSTOVES CLEAN
1. Have your chimney, stove pipe, fire place,
and woodstove inspected annually by a qualified chimney specialist.
2. Clear the area around the hearth from debris, decorations, and
flammable materials.
3. Always use a metal mesh screen with fire places.
4. Install stove pipe thermometers to monitor flue temperatures.
5. Keep air inlets on woodstoves open, and never restrict air supply
to fire places.
6. Use fire resistant materials on walls around woodstoves.
SAFELY BURN
FUELS
1. Never use flammable liquids to start fires.
2. Use only seasoned hardwoods for fires in woodstoves and fire
places.
3. Burn small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
4. Never burn cardboard, trash, or debris in woodstoves and fire
places.
5. When building fire, place logs are the rear of the fireplace on a
supported grate.
6. Never leave a fire unattended.
7. Soak hot ashes in water and place them outside in a metal
container.
PROTECT THE
OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME
1. Stack firewood outside and at least 30 feet
from your home.
2. Keep roofs clear of leaves and other debris.
3. Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
4. Remove branches hanging over chimneys, stove pipes, flues, and
vents.
PROTECT THE
INSIDE OF YOUR HOME
1. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your
home.
2. Check smoke alarms monthly and change batteries twice a year.
3. Provide proper venting for all heating equipment.
4. Extend all vent pipes at least 3 feet above the roof.
The above information was derived from the US
Fire Administraion.
The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have
caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use
of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or
coming out of storage. Fire places are burning wood and man made logs. All these
methods of heating may be acceptable. They are however, a major contributing
factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following
fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire safe home this winter.
- Be sure your heater is in good working condition.
Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an
emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.
-
 Never
use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal,
kerosene or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.
- Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater
manufacturer. NEVER INTRODUCE A FUEL INTO A UNIT NOT DESIGNED FOR
THAT TYPE FUEL.
- Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in
approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the
house.
- NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot.
When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. DO NOT
use cold fuel, as it may expand in the tank as it warms up.
- Refueling should be done outside of the home (or
outdoors).
- Keep young children away from space
heaters—Especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing
that can be easily ignited.
- When using a fuel burning appliance in the
bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon
monoxide.
KITCHEN FIRE SAFETY
Kitchen Oil Fires
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