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Jackson Fire Bureau Provides Winter Fire Safety Tips
JACKSON - With the beginning of winter, the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternative sources of home heating. The use of fireplaces and wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly. All these methods of heating may be acceptable, however, are a major contributing factor in residential fires. Fire official Frank McDonnell of the Jackson Bureau of Fire Safety offers some fire safety tips to help you maintain a fire safe home this winter.
For those who utilize wood stove and fireplaces: Wood stoves should have adequate clearance, 36 inches, from combustible surfaces and proper floor support. Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design and should be UL listed. Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned, 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. Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite the creosote buildup. Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark 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.
For those who use electric space heaters: Do not overload circuits and choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord. Check to make sure that it has a thermostat and will cut off automatically if it falls over. Do not use as a dryer or table; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. Give space heaters space. Keep combustibles at least three feet away. Avoid using electrical space heaters in areas where they may come in contact with water.
For those who utilize furnace heating in the winter: It is important that you have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition. Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required. Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak. Is the chimney solid, with cracks or loose bricks? All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry. Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.
Other fire safety tips: Never discard hot ashes inside the home. Place them in a metal container outside and away from the house. If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. If there is a fire hydrant near your home, please keep the hydrant clear of snow so it can be located if needed. Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm and be sure to check and clean it monthly. Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family. Be sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector especially when using fuel-fired appliances.
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