Turning Up the Heat - Brian McConlogue

Friday, October 10, 2008

The first chill is in the air and heating equipment is being turned on. For some, that means wood and coal stoves and portable space heaters. The misuse of such devices is a major reason why people living in rural areas are twice as likely to die in a fire as those living in mid-sized cities or suburban areas. The United States Fire Administration believes we can reduce the chances of become a fire casualty by recognizing hazards and by taking precautions. More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and other solid fuel-fired appliances to heat their homes. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the risks that come with such fuels. Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. These fires are often due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently. Wood stoves alone cause over 4,000 residential fires annually. Basic safety precautions include: • Following the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. • Choosing solid construction such as plate steel or cast iron. • Using fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves. • Checking for cracks and inspecting legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. • Keeping combustible materials at least three feet away from any stove. • Having your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a specialist. Fireplaces chimneys build up creosote. They must be cleaned and inspected for obstructions and cracks frequently to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. • Installing stovepipe thermometers to monitor flue temperatures. • Making sure fireplace dampers are open before starting any fire. Keep air inlets on wood stoves open and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. • Never burning green wood, artificial logs or trash. These materials cause creosote buildup. • Never using flammable liquids to start a fire. • Always using a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. • Never wearing loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. • Making sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. • Storing cooled or soaked ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home. Other important safety practices include: • Stacking firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home. • Keeping roofs clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris. • Covering the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester. • Removing branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents. • Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. • Providing proper venting systems for all heating equipment. • Extending all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof. Electric space heaters are another area of concern. Buy only heaters with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety listing. Make sure they have a thermostat control mechanism that will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Never dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater. Lastly, always unplug your electric space heater when not in use. Finally, if you plan to buy a kerosene heater, check with your fire department to see if it is legal. If so, buy only UL listed units. Never fill your kerosene heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel as both flare up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. Always fill outside and away from your home and never overfill. Use a kerosene heater only in a well- ventilated room. Working smoke alarms dramatically increase your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility. Fire stops with you! Assistant Chief Brian McConlogue is a Sussex County native, graduated from Indian River HS and attended DelTech. He is a nationally certified emergency medical technician, firefighter II and diver. Brian is a career firefighter/EMT with the Millville VFC and lives in Bethany Beach. His e-mail is [email protected].