NEWPORT NEWS FIRE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Release Date:  December 6, 2006

The temperatures are dropping and everyone is searching for ways to make their homes as warm and comfortable as possible. According to a study by the United States Fire Administration, heating is the second leading cause of all residential building fires (behind cooking fires) and is most prevalent in the winter months when the use of central heating systems, portable heaters, and fireplaces is most common. Over one quarter of residential building heating fires result from improper maintenance of heating equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment.

The Newport News Fire Department would like to provide you with fire safety tips so that you and your family can “weather” the winter season safely.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless and practically odorless gas. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce CO. Burning charcoal and running cars produce CO. If you have an appliance that may produce CO, a fireplace or wood-burning stove, a kerosene, natural gas, or oil heater or an attached garage, you should buy and install a CO Detector. The Newport News Fire Department has received a grant through the Virginia Department of Health to alert homeowners on dangers of CO poisoning. Proper maintenance and inspection of heating systems should be done on a regular basis.  Only use kerosene heaters in well-ventilated areas. If you experience symptoms of CO poisoning, such as a headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness, get fresh air and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Buy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store. It's inexpensive protection for you and your family. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Your chances of survival double when you have a working smoke alarm. Test it monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the battery at least once a year. There are some smoke detectors with long-life lithium batteries that may not need battery replacement as often, but they should still be tested on a monthly basis. Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of service, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you are a homeowner in the City of Newport News and need a smoke alarm, call the Newport News Fire Department smoke alarm hotline at 926-8009. Fire personnel will schedule a time for firefighter/medics to properly install a smoke alarm at no cost to you as well as share important fire safety materials with you and your family.

Wood Stoves

Wood stoves cause over 9,000 residential fires every year. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs, or trash. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. Be sure to keep combustible objects at least three feet away from your wood stove.

Electric Space Heaters

Buy only heaters with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety listing. Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater. Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.

Kerosene Heaters

Buy only UL-approved heaters. Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily and burn at hotter temperatures that cause the seals on the heaters to fail. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. Never overfill any portable heater. Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces need to be cleaned out frequently from creosote build-up and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Don't wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

Prevent Electrical Fires

Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.

Use Appliances Wisely

When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the home. Never use a cooking stove to heat your home.

Plan Your Escape

Practice an escape plan with at least two ways out from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out and then call for help.

For more winter fire safety tips, visit American Red Cross or United States Fire Administration.