Safety Tips & Articles
FOLLOWING IS a list of safety tips from the Catawba Island Fire Department in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s office to HELP make sure that you have a safe winter.
With the increased cost of fuel residents may be looking for alternative heating methods to help offset some of those bills. These reminders will help you focus on fire safety for the winter season.
Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in the home along with operating smoke detectors located on all floors. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, potentially deadly gas produced by fuel burning equipment, such as furnaces, kerosene heaters or generators call the fire department should the alarm go off.
FIREPLACES AND WOOD BURNING STOVES
Allow enough clearance between a wood burning stove and combustible materials such as floors and ceilings
A wood stove should be placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and hot coals
Make sure the flue is open before lighting a fire, and never close the flue while a fire is still smoldering.
Use a fireplace screen to prevent any sparks from reaching out and lighting nearby objects.
Never use lighter fluid or gasoline to start a fire.
The immediate area in front of a fireplace [approximately 3 ft.] should not have a rug, carpet or exposed wood flooring.
When lighting a gas fireplace, strike your match first, then turn on the gas.
Use only dry, seasoned wood and dispose of the cooled ashes in a closed metal container outside of the home.
Never leave a fire burning unattended in the fireplace.
PORTABLE SPACE HEATERS
When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
Never leave a heater on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep, and do not leave children or pets unattended around any heating source. Unplug it when you are not using it.
Don’t use an extension cord with an electric portable heater. The current from the heater could melt the cord and cause a fire.
Don’t plug more than one heating device into an outlet. Never use electric heaters near water- like in the bathroom or kitchen.
KEROSENE HEATERS
Make sure the room has proper ventilation.
Fill your heater with only clear, K-1 kerosene. Do not use any fluid that is not recommended for your heater. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled down.
Check the wick every couple of weeks during the heating season. If the wick is dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Since a kerosene heater has a constant open flame, it should not be used in a room where there are flammable solvents, aerosol sprays, gasoline or any type of oil.
PROPANE
Propane is highly flammable, making it dangerous if not handled properly.
When using a propane heater, make sure it is designed for indoor use and properly vented.
Do not use outdoor propane barbecue grills inside, or any other outdoor grills indoors.
If you smell gas, do not operate any switches, appliances or thermostats. A spark from one of these could ignite the gas. Get everyone outside and away from the building. Shut off the gas supply. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone.
GENERATORS
Should you use a portable generator, make sure you use it in a well ventilated area. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using.
Make sure the fuel is stored in a safe manner. Never store flammable liquid in a basement or near an open flame. Always refuel the generator outdoors if possible.
If you chose to have a generator wired to your home permanently have it done by a licensed electrician and notify your electrical company. Improperly installed generators can cause multiple types of hazards not only for you but for the power company as well.