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Fire Safety Education

STATE OFFICIALS FEAR INCREASED WINTER FIRE RISK AS PEOPLE TURN TO ALTERNATIVE HEATING

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan was joined at both eastern and a western Massachusetts press conference by fire officials and Commissioner of Public Safety Thomas G. Gatzunis to promote safe heating this winter.

State Fire Marshal Coan said, "There are two things we are worried about this winter: preventing both fires and carbon monoxide poisonings. " He added, " With the expected spike in winter heating costs, we are worried that people will turn to alternative heating sources with disastrous results."

Public Safety Commissioner Gatzunis said, "If this is the winter you plan to install a woodstove or start to use it more regularly than in the past, be sure to get a permit, make sure it is properly installed, and take the time to educate yourself on how to use it safely."

All the public safety officials recommend installing both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire deaths have been declining for decades and last year reached an all time post WWII low of 52 fire deaths in Massachusetts. Coan said, "The last time our general downward trend hit a bump was during 2000, when there were 15 fire deaths from heating sources-ten in five space heater fires. We had a cold winter and a spike in heating costs that year too."

Commissioner Gatzunis, State Fire Marshal Coan, Fire Chief's Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) President Stephen Edwards and Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts (FPAM) President Michael Swain offer the following tips to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning this winter.

Furnaces Should Be Cleaned and Checked Annually

Homeowners should have furnaces cleaned and checked annually to ensure they are working well. Combustible materials such as trash or supplies should never be stored near heating equipment. Only licensed trades-people may install oil, gas, or electric heating units. (Regulations about oil burners may be found in 527 CMR 4).

During extreme cold snaps, keep the thermostat at a moderate temperature to avoid over taxing the furnace.

Have Chimneys Cleaned Annual to Remove Creosote

Creosote is a black, tar like by product of fire. It can accumulate in your chimney and cause a fire. Have your chimney cleaned at the start of each heating season and check it monthly for soot build-up. It should also be checked for loose mortar. If you use a wood or coal stove, keep the temperature in the recommended range. Use chimney guards to prevent animals from nesting in your chimney. If you have a chimney fire, have the chimney inspected by a professional before using it again.

Woodstoves

A homeowner must obtain a building permit prior to installing a wood or coal stove and the installation must be inspected upon completion. In general, the stove should be a least three feet from walls, ceilings and furnishings. If the flue does not draw properly, deadly levels of carbon monoxide may accumulate in the home.

Keep the temperature within the manufacturer's suggested range. Wood and coal stoves should be operated at moderate heat. If the fire is too low, creosote may accumulate in the chimney and eventually cause a fire. If the fire it too hot, nearby combustibles or creosote could ignite.

Only burn fuels intended for use in these stoves. Other items may cause overheating to release toxic fuels. Never use gasoline or flammable liquids to start the fire-doing so could cause an explosion.

Place ashes in a metal container until they are completely cool. Hot ashes may stay "live" for 24 hours.

Space Heater Safety

If you must use a space heater, use is as safely as possible. When buying a heater, look for one that has been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL and has an automatic shut-off if tipped and a grill over the heating element.

Keep the heater 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other materials that can burn. Place it on a level surface away from areas where someone might bump it and knock it over. If you must use an extension cord place it 3 feet away from somethng that can catch fire, make sure it is a heavy duty cord marked with a power rating at least as high as the one on the heater itself.

Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep. They are designed for temporary, short-term use to add a little extra heat to a work area or cold room. It is dangerous to ask them to do the work of a furnace.

Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.

Kerosene Heaters Illegal

According to MGL Chapter 148, Section 5a, 25a and 25b, the sale and use of all liquid fired (kerosene) unvented space heaters are illegal in Massachusetts.

Smoke Alarms, CO Detectors and Escape Plans

The best way to protect your family is to install and make sure smoke alarms and CO detectors are working. Hold a fire drill at home to make sure everyone knows how to get out quickly if the alarm sounds and have a meeting place outside.