Would you know what to do if a fire were to break out in your home?

In a fire, seconds count!  It could mean the difference between of life and/or death.  There are many ways a fire can ignite in your home throughout the year, but during the winter months, when we are trying to heat our homes to stay warm, a fire can easily start if proper safety steps are not taken.

Many households use fire as a heat source such as  woodstoves, fireplaces, space heaters, and kerosene heaters.  These sources can become very hot and cause a fire to spread very rapidly.  Below are a list of different types of heating sources with some basic safety tips to follow when being used, not only during the heating season but whenever the source is in use.

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

• Be sure to have your chimney and fireplace professionally cleaned and inspected prior to the heating season on a yearly basis.  Inspections will check for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks or mortar and and obstructions.
• Burn only dry, well seasoned hardwood.  Do NOT burn trash.  This will minimize creosote build-up.
• When removing ashes, place them in a covered metal container.  Place container outside at least 3 feet away from anything that will burn.  Do not set the ash container on or near any type of combustible surface, such as wooden porch floor.
• When using a fire place, always use a sturdy metal screen or heat-tempered glass screen to prevent shooting sparks.

Space Heaters

SPACE HEATERS NEED SPACE - GIVE IT TO THEM

• Heater must have a minimum of 36 inches between it and and anything else, such as furniture, curtains, paper, or people.
• Do not use any heater that has a frayed or cracked cord.
• If cord is hot, do not use heater.
• NEVER use an extension cord with a space heater.
• NEVER leave heater running when leaving your home or going to sleep.
• Make sure your heater is UL approved, has a temperature control, and tip-over shut off protection.

Kerosene Heaters

• Unvented portable kerosene heaters may only be used, in New York State, in one and two family homes, or in construction or demolition sites, on a temporary basis.
• Follow all manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Allow adequate ventilation.
• ONLY refuel heater when cool.
• ONLY refuel heater outside and away from your home or garage.

One of the leading causes of kerosene heater related fires is improper or unsafe refueling.
 

Electrical Safety

• Don't overload outlets with multiple outlets or extension cords.
• Buy UL listed extension cords.
• Do not cut or splice cords for any reason.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs or leave bundled up.  This may cause the cord to over heat.
• Use outlet safety covers for any unused outlets to prevent accidental shock.

• www.FireSafety.Gov

• www.FireSafety.com

• OSHA

If you would like more information on Home & Fire Safety, you may contact us at (315) 253-1560 or email us at cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us.