Safety Tips: Winter Fires

01/12/18

More fires occur during the winter months than any other time.  Fortunately, taking simple precautions can prevent most fires.  Follow the safety tips below to help ensure your safety.

Portable Heaters

• Make sure your portable heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off.
• Put at least three feet of empty space between the heater and anything else.
• Vacuum and clean the dust and lint from all heaters.
• Inspect the cord for damage - frayed or cracked cover.
• Never use an extension cord with portable heaters.
• Turn off heaters when leaving the room or sleeping.
• An adult should always be present when portable heaters are used around children.

Liquid Fuel Heaters

• Never add fuel to a hot heater.
• Refuel outdoors where spills won't present a fire hazard.
• Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.
• Never put gasoline in a space heater.

Woodstove and Fireplace Safety

• Have a "certified chimney sweep" clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney.
• Burn good quality, dry, and well seasoned wood to prevent chimney fires.
• Always use a fireplace screen to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out.
• Maintain three feet of clearance on all sides.
• Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet from combustible materials.

Candles

If you must use candles:

• Place them on a sturdy, fireproof candleholders where they cannot be knocked over.
• Make sure all candles are out before going to sleep or leaving the house.
• Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of children's reach.
• Always keep candles away from holiday trees, evergreen clippings, decorations, and wrapping paper.
• Never leave candles unattended.

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.
• Test and clean your smoke alarms each month.
• If smoke alarms are 10 years old or older they need to be replaced with new devices.
• Develop and practice your escape plan.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless "invisible killer" produced by the incomplete burning of fuels (wood, coal, liquid fuels). 

• Carbon Monoxide Sources:
  • Room heater
  • Charcoal grill
  • Vehicles running in a closed garage
  • Gas range
  • Fireplace
  • Oil, wood or gas furnace
  • Gas or oil hot water heater
• Install CO alarms with battery back on every level of your house and not more than 15 feet from each sleeping area.
• Get fresh air immediately if you feel sick, headaches, fatigue, nausea or dizziness and call 911.

Contact EH&S, your local fire department or visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency-United States Fire Administration (www.usfa.fema.gov) for additional information.

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