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The home heating season is upon
us, creating a need to provide warmth and personal comfort for all
occupants. Unfortunately, many serious fires and deaths occur annually
in the U.S. due to improperly maintained heating equipment or use of
this equipment inconsistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In 1998, there were 49,200 heating equipment-related home fires reported
to U.S. fire departments, resulting in 388 deaths, 1,445 injuries and
$515 million in property damage. Nags Head Fire Rescue Division
would like to pass on some safety tips regarding home heating equipment
use, to decrease the chances for these unfortunate accidents to occur.
The first line of defense is
having the proper fire detection equipment installed in the home.
- Each floor and outside each sleeping area
should have a visible smoke and heat detector.
- Change the batteries regularly, and push the
detector test button monthly.
- Install a fire extinguisher and learn how to
use it.
- If you rely on wood burning, gas, kerosene or
oil burning equipment, install a carbon monoxide detector on each
level of your home to alert occupants of high carbon monoxide levels.
Click on one of the links below for some basic
safety tips for your type of heating equipment:
Click here to return to
the Fire Prevention Page.
Electric Baseboard and
Portable Electric Heaters
- Heaters should be properly installed by a licensed electrician or
located per the manufacture's recommendations.
- All equipment purchased should be UL listed.
- All combustible items such as drapes, furniture, bedding and
clothing must be stored at least three feet from each heater.
- When purchasing a portable space heater, look for an automatic
shut-off feature that turns off the unit should it accidentally tip
over.
- Assure all electrical supply cords are intact, grounded and
capable of handling the load of the heating unit.
- Power supply cords should not be run under carpets or furniture,
as they may generate heat and cause a fire.
- If a portable electric heater smokes or heats up, turn off the
power source immediately.
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Electric Heat Pumps
- Electric heat pumps are reliable heat sources and pose less of a
hazard to the facility and residence.
- Insure filters are changed at least monthly during use, keep
several of these handy.
- It is normal for some odor during the first use of the heat pump;
however if smoke is detected coming from vents or the odor of burnt
insulation is detected, the building should be evacuated immediately.
- Heating units should be examined yearly by a qualified service
technician.
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LP Gas Heaters
- LP Gas heaters, vented or unvented should be examined yearly by a
qualified service technician.
- Provide for proper airflow in the building as LP gas heaters
consume oxygen as they burn.
- Maintain a 3-foot clearance near heater, keep area free from
combustible materials such as drapes, bedding materials and clothing.
- LP gas heaters maintain a feature that provide for automatic
shutoff if the oxygen levels reach 18% or below.
- Remember, never use conventional cooking stoves for heat.
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Portable
Kerosene Heaters
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Portable kerosene heaters must be
used very carefully, as misuse of these units may cause an accidental
fire.
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Allow your heater to cool before
refueling and only refuel outdoors.
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Use only crystal clear, K-1
kerosene, never gasoline or camp stove fuel, both explode easily.
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Designate a safety can for only
kerosene storage. Even a small residue of gasoline burned can be
disastrous.
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Provide an annual inspection of
kerosene heaters by a knowledgeable service technician.
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Wood Burning Stoves and
Fireplaces
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Remember always choose seasoned hardwoods for fuel.
Green wood, artificial logs, trash or undetermined wood scraps can
contribute to rapid creosote build up and a possible chimney fire.
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Your chimney should be cleaned annually by a
"chimney sweep" trained to rid the vent of dangerous creosote and
dust. Uncontrolled chimney fires can ignite the chimney, roof and
entire home. Refrain form using flammable liquids, like gasoline, to
start or freshen a fire.
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When in operation, the fireplace should be filled
with a metal fire screen or heat tampered glass doors, to catch flying
sparks and prevent rolling logs.
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Assume all stoves and smoke pipes are located far
enough from combustible walls and ceilings, installed properly and
maintained in good repair.
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Eliminate possible youth burns by removing all
tempting items from the vicinity of the fireplace or wood stove.
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Keep all matches and lighters locked up and
inaccessible to children.
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If you have any other questions, contact your
home heating contractor or the Fire Division at 441-5909.
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