GHF&MO

Winter fires are people caused fires...no they don't set them intentionally, however, they also don't take the necessary precautions to prevent them either. Careful planning, installation and maintenance of heating appliances will keep most fires from happening. Plan for the winter, check your equipment. Maintain safe equipment and always be aware that a fire can begin if combustibles are placed too close to heat sources.

Heating fires are the third leading cause of residential fire deaths, and the leading cause of residential fires in the U.S. During 2003 Chimney fires alone accounted for over 28% of all residential fires in Gig Harbor. Other heating equipment fires usually are a result of poorly maintained equipment or careless placement of combustibles near heating equipment.

When the weather turns cold we think of heating our homes...but YOU must prepared for the season, prior to the first cold snap.  Heating equipment should also be inspected annually, and filters changed according to the manufacturers recommendations.

Space Heaters and base board heating present a higher risk to the user since the heating element is close to other household combustibles and people. All combustibles should be kept at least 18 inches from any type of heating unit. This includes placing firewood closer than 18 inches from the fireplace opening. Space heaters should be used in well-ventilated rooms, they should be placed in a low traffic area to avoid tip-overs. Clothing and other combustible items should not be dried over a space heater of in the oven.

With baseboard heating, it is important to place furniture in a way that does not block or cover the heating unit. Again, 18 inches of clearance is necessary around baseboard heaters, this includes drapes and curtains. Children should be taught to keep toys, papers and clothing away from all heating units.

Wood Stoves and Fire Place Chimney's need to be inspected annually if used regularly. A certified chimney sweep can advise on the need for cleaning and can check the chimney and liner for defects or wear. Use only seasoned wood, and never use green wood, artificial logs or trash in your fire box. Sparks from the trash, or creosote burning inside the chimney can also start a roof fire.

Electric Space Heaters should be plugged directly into electrical outlets, the use of an extension cord is not recommended.  Remember the 18 inch clearance around all heating appliances. 

Kerosene Heaters should be filled with K-1 kerosene only, never use gasoline or camp stove fuel. Re-fuel only after the heater has cooled down, and do the re-fueling out of doors.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that consumers purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors with labels showing they meet the requirements of the new Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) voluntary standard (UL 2034). The UL standard, published in April 1992, requires detectors to sound an alarm when exposure to carbon monoxide reaches potentially hazardous levels over a period of time. Detectors that meet the requirements of UL 2034 provide a greater safety margin than previously-manufactured detectors.

About 200 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu-like illnesses and include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and irregular breathing. Carbon monoxide can leak from faulty furnaces or fuel-fired heaters or can be trapped inside by a blocked chimney or flue. Burning charcoal inside the house or running an automobile engine in an attached garage also will produce carbon monoxide in the home.

The first line of defense against carbon monoxide is to make sure that all fuel-burning appliances operate properly. Consumers should have their home heating systems (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year for proper operations and leakage. Inspectors should check all heating appliances and their electrical and mechanical components, thermostat controls and automatic safety devices.

Properly working carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning to consumers before the deadly gas builds up to a dangerous level. Exposure to a low concentration over several hours can be as dangerous as exposure to high carbon monoxide levels for a few minutes - the new detectors will detect both conditions. Most of the devices cost under $100. Each home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in the area outside individual bedrooms. CPSC believes that carbon monoxide detectors are as important to home safety as smoke detectors are.