Home Heating Safety Tips in Oregon, Nov. 18

As cooler weather arrives, State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace is urging Oregonians to use heating appliances wisely. “With the onset of cooler weather, I urge citizens to ensure all their heating appliances are in good working order,” says Wallace. Have your woodstoves, fireplaces, chimneys, cleaned and inspected by a qualified specialist before using them. Portable space heaters also pose a high risk. Use these with extreme caution and follow our space heater safety tips.” Although woodstove and fireplace-related fires are more common, the most deadly home heating fires result from misuse of portable electric heaters. From 2008 through 2012 in Oregon, there were 1,961 home heating-related fires resulting in nine deaths, 56 injuries, and more than $26.9 million in property loss. Six of the nine fatalities occurred in portable heater-related fires. Oregonians can keep themselves safer from heating-related fires using these safety tips: Portable Space Heaters – * When using portable heaters make sure they come with an automatic tip-over switch and a high-temperature limit switch. The tip-over switch turns the heater off if it is knocked over. A high-temperature limit switch prevents the heater from overheating. * Give heaters space. Keep at least three feet of space between the heater and combustibles such as furniture, curtains, blankets, papers, and people. * Check heater electrical cords. Inspect for cracked or damaged cords, broken plugs, or loose connections. Replace before using the space heater. * Never use an extension cord or power strip with a portable electric heater. It can overload the circuit and cause a fire. * Never allow children to play with, or around the heater. * Unplug heaters when not in use, before going to bed, or when leaving the room. Electric Baseboard and Wall Heaters – * Be aware of electric baseboard and wall heaters. These heaters are thermostatically controlled and may turn on without warning when temperatures drop. * Give heaters space. Just as with portable space heaters, keep at least three feet of space between your baseboard/wall heater and combustibles items such as furniture, curtains, blankets, papers, and people. Fuel Burning Space Heaters – * If using a fuel burning space heater, make sure it is designed for indoor use. Read all manufacturer instructions and ensure it is properly vented. * Allow the heater to cool before refueling. Refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area. * If you smell gas, do not operate any switches, appliances, or thermostats. Leave the building and call 9-1-1, the fire department, or the gas company. Fireplaces and Woodstoves – * Have chimney and woodstove flues and vents inspected and cleaned every year by a qualified chimney specialist. Ask them to check for creosote deposits, soot build-up, or physical damage. * Always use a fireplace screen. Make sure the screen is made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping. * Keep a clutter-free environment. Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations, and flammable materials. * Store kindling, fire logs, and wood at least three feet from any heat source. * Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue and chimney temperatures. * Use proper fire starters. Proper fire starters include newspaper, kindling, or specially manufactured starters designed for indoor use. Never use flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene, or gasoline to start a fire. * Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can release lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. * Use fire-resistant materials on walls around woodstoves. * Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing of them. * Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and place the container outdoors, at least ten feet from the home and any other nearby buildings. Ashes may retain heat for days after they appear out. Smoke Alarms and Home Escape Plans – * Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in each bedroom. * Push the test button to be sure the battery is working. * Follow manufacturer’s instructions on regularly cleaning your alarms of dust and cobwebs. * Replace any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older. * Make a home escape plan and practice it with your family at least twice a year. Carbon Monoxide Dangers – * Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. * Home heating and cooking equipment that burn fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane are sources of carbon monoxide. * Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal if not detected early. * Test and maintain your carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For more home fire safety tips, visit:
http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/pages/commed_firesafety_program.aspx. For more smoke alarm information, visit: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/CommEd_SA_Program.shtml.