Cold Weather Home Fire Safety

 With cold weather now here and with the increase burden of rising home heating costs, many will be turning to an alternative methods of home heating. The use of wood burning fireplaces and wood stoves are a cheaper and cozier alternative. They, along with space heaters, do present special safety hazards however. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there were 45,500 home heating fire reported in 2002 that caused 220 deaths, 990 injuries and $440 million in property damage. 

Fireplaces and chimneys were involved in 43% of all home heating fires and 11% of associated deaths, fixed and portable space heaters, including wood stoves were involved in 25% of the home heating fires, but 74% of the associated deaths, central heating was involved in 19% of home heating fires and 10% of the associated deaths according to the NFPA. 

Most fireplaces and chimney fires are caused by ignited creosote, a thick oily residue that builds up naturally on the interior surfaces of chimneys. The leading cause of fires involving space heaters is the igniting of combustibles in close proximity to the heater. In contrast, fires that had a central heating unit as its source, were due to mechanical failures or malfunctions.

 Following these recommendations can help avoid DISASTROUS consequences: 
A) When buying new equipment verify that it carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory such as "UL" and that it is installed by a qualified professional. 
B) Have your fireplace, chimney and central heating system inspected annually and cleaned as required. 
C)    Insure that the chimney is covered with a metal mesh spark arrester.
D)    Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
E)     Use seasoned hardwood as fuel in the fireplace.
G)    Always use a sturdy metal screen around the front of the fireplace to catch sparks and prevent the logs from rolling out into the room.
H)    Keep all combustibles at least 4 feet away from any open flame.
I)       Never leave fires unattended - extinguish before leaving.
J)       Remove cold ashes in a metal container and store/dispose of away from the residence.
K) lnsure that all gas fueled heating devices are vented properly to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. NFPA codes prohibit the use of liquefied petroleum gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies, such as certain camping stoves, inside the home.
L)     Insure that there are at least one operating smoke alarm on every floor and one near every bed room. These need to be tested monthly and have batteries changed annually at a minimum.
M)   Install a CO detector in your home if any gas equipment is used. 

On behalf of the officers and members of the Newport Twp. Fire Department we wish all the resident of the township a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. 

Submitted by:
James Hoffman Company Chief
Newport Twp. Fire Department