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Americans facing an energy shortage are turning to alternate sources of
home heating. The old pot-belled and Franklin stove market is suddenly
zooming. Space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage.
Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. All of these supplementary
heat measures can be good But they can introduce the danger of FIRE into
homes.
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The Fort Osage Fire Protection District, |
Space heaters and heating stoves are used throughout the nation to increase the warmth in rooms. They do the job, but can be dangerous. To use them safely:
When temperatures inside are kept down, a crackling fire in the fireplace is a cozy and cheery way to keep warm. But these fires, if not carefully tended, could cause tragedy. To use them safely:
It's important that you have your furnace checked out and cleaned regularly, and that it be in good working condition. Furnace fire safety tips need to be observed all year round. Some things you should know:
All condominiums, and apartment residences (including hotel rooms) are
required by law to have smoke detectors installed. Install a smoke detector
outside the bedroom areas on the ceiling and on every living area of your
home. Have a fire escape plan, and have the entire family practice it. If
windows are emergency exits in your home, train your family to use them in
case a fire should strike, and see that the storm windows open easily. Plan
a meeting place outside for all family members to meet after practicing your
drill. This will help to ensure that everyone has escaped the building
safely.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Frozen pipes? Don't try to thaw them with a blowtorch or other open
flame. Use hot water or a UL labeled device for thawing; otherwise
a fire could be the result.
Is there a fire hydrant outside of your home? If there should be a
fire, firefighters need to be able to hook their hose up to that hydrant.
Keep hydrants clear of all obstructions. It may save your home,
or that of your neighbors.
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IF A FIRE STRIKES |
Always buy a fresh tree. Look for a deep-green color, strong natural scent,
and needles firm on the limbs. Natural trees, if newly cut and properly cared
for, can stay alive and fire-safe for several weeks. Pine and fir trees usually
outlast spruce. The freshest trees are at "choose and cut" lots, where you
cut down the tree yourself. There are several safety tests for pre-cut trees.
Green needles should not fall out when you:
Lift the tree by the trunk and tap the butt on the ground.
Grasp a branch near the top and pull your hand along it slowly.
If you bend a needle and it breaks before bending in half, the tree is already
quite dry.
The trunk butt should be cut at an angle and sticky with sap. Keep tree
fresh by continual immersion of the trunk in water (as with fresh flowers).
Since trees can dry out quickly in heated rooms, check tree stand daily for
adequate water. Dispose of tree when the needles begin falling off in large
quantities, a sign of a very dry-and flammable-tree. Do not burn the tree;
dispose through refuse collection. Do not rely on chemical coatings or sprays
to make a live tree flame-resistant.
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Even artificial trees can burn with extreme vigor. Do not use electric
lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from
faulty wiring. Instead, use colored spotlights above or beside the tree.
Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations when going to bed
or leaving the area. A short circuit could result in a fire. Do not use an
open heat source (such as candles) on tree. Avoid placing the tree too close
to heat sources, such as fireplaces and space heaters. Maintain a clear exit
route when setting up a tree and other decorations. Don't allow a temporary
rearrangement of furnishings to block an exit.
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Both indoor and outdoor sets should have been tested for safety and, thus,
bear the "UL" label (Underwriters' Laboratories).
Before trimming tree check lights for damage, such as exposed wires, loose
prongs, and cracked or broken sockets. Repair before using, or discard.
Use indoor lights indoors, outdoor lights outdoors. Outdoor lights should
be waterproof; they should be fastened securely to trees or structures to
prevent damage by winds.
Avoid overloading extension cords or light strings. There should be no more
than three sets of lights on an extension cord. Disconnect lights by grasping
the plug, not pulling on the cord.
Before decorating with lights, sets should be checked for smoking and melting
by placing on a non-flammable surface and plugging in for 10 to 15 minutes.
Careful packing and unpacking will prevent damage to lights and wiring. Indoor
lights should be securely attached to tree. Bulbs should not be in direct
contact with needles or branches.
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Never use an open flame on or near a real or artificial tree.
Candles should be held firmly by non-flammable holders. Do not leave unattended.
Keep candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains. Keep out of
the reach of children.
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Before lighting a fire, make sure flue is open. Remove debris, such as
greenery or wrapping paper, from fireplace area.
Do not use the fireplace as an incinerator. Greenery can burn rapidly, throwing
off sparks. Burning wrappings and packaging can create a "flash fire," as
well as produce toxic fumes in poorly ventilated fireplaces.
Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or restart a blaze.
Invisible vapors can cause an explosion. Use kindling and wooden matches.
Remember to keep matches out of reach of children.
Keep a screen in front of the fireplace during the blaze to prevent flying
sparks from igniting carpet or nearby objects. Do not leave a fire unattended.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times. Before closing the flue, make
sure fire has completely died.
Be careful when wearing loose, flowing clothing near fireplaces and other
open flames.