Fire Safety Article

Safety During the Holiday Season

Warm, cozy homes and candle-lit holiday feasts play a major role in our preparations for family gatherings. Unfortunately, this also increases the risk of fires. Fires can be prevented and losses reduced by following a few simple safety measures.

Cooking Safety

Pay particular attention while cooking, especially when using oils and grease. Cooking appliances should be kept free of grease build-up, which can easily ignite. Applying a lid to a small grease fire is usually the most effective and safest method of controlling it. Trying to carry a pan that's on fire is extremely dangerous because it can ignite clothes or spill, causing severe burns. If the fire is inside your oven, turn off the heat and leave the door closed to cut off the fire's air supply.

Young children should be kept away from cooking appliances to prevent any mishaps. It's always a good idea to use back burners when possible, and keep pot handles turned to the inside so they won't be pulled or knocked over. Check stoves and other appliances before going to bed or leaving your home to make sure they are left in the "off" position.

With the increased popularity of frying turkeys, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the National Burn Foundation warn consumers against using turkey fryers. Tests have shown that many of the fryers have a risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil, leading to fires and burns. For more information, see the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) website.

Candle Safety

According to the National Candle Association, seven out of 10 households use candles. The NFPA reports that candle-caused fires have increased. However, the number of home fires in the nation continues to decrease. In 2001, candle fires accounted for 4.7 percent of home fires, compared with 1.1 percent in the early 1980s.

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Protect open candle flames with a proper glass globe.
• Keep candles away from things that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees and decorations.
• Place candles on stable furniture in sturdy holders that won't tip over and that are big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place lit candles in windows, where they may ignite blinds or curtains.
• Place candles only in areas where they won't be knocked over by children or pets.
• Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get within two inches of the holder or decorative material.
• Extinguish votive and filled candles before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

Heater Safety

"As we enter into the colder months of the year, heating-related safety is of utmost concern. The majority of fire deaths occur between November and February, and they are often related to inadequate heating systems or improper use," State Fire Marshal Allen Lorenz said.

Electric Heaters – Electric heaters should have automatic safety switches to turn them off if tipped over. They also should carry the UL approval label.

• Be sure to check cords before plugging in the heater. If cords are frayed, worn or broken, do not use the heater. Either replace it or have an electrician replace the cord. Just putting tape on the cord is not enough to prevent overheating and fire.
• Never use extension cords with portable heaters. Using a small, ordinary household extension cord may cause the cord to overheat and ignite.
• Keep all materials that can burn at least 36 inches away from unit.

Kerosene Heaters – Many kerosene heater-related fires are attributed to misuse. Get started on the right foot by purchasing a heater that carries the UL label, which means it has been tested for safety. Be sure it has an automatic safety switch to shut it off if it's tipped over. An automatic starter eliminates the need for matches and makes for safer starts. A fuel gauge will help ensure you do not overfill the heater. A safety grill on the front can prevent accidental contact burns. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly.

• Use only crystal-clear KI kerosene – never colored or contaminated kerosene, or any other fuel.
• Fill it only outside. Store kerosene outside in a clearly marked metal container with a tight fitting lid.
• When using kerosene heaters, be sure the room is well ventilated. Opening a door to an adjoining room or area may be enough. Better yet, slightly open a window in the room.

Wood Heaters – Before investing in a wood stove or other wood burning device for your home, think more about safety than just the efficiency and appearance of the unit. Have your stove installed by a professional. Keep a tight fitting screen or glass doors in front of the stove or fireplace at all times. Special retaining screens can keep children and pets away from wood stoves and prevent burns.

• Dispose of ashes in metal containers, never in paper bags, cardboard boxes or plastic wastebaskets.
• Wet ashes to cool them thoroughly. Remember, ashes can retain enough heat to cause a fire for several days, so take no chances.

Although these tips should help prevent a fire, know the signs of danger. A loud roar, sucking sounds and shaking pipes mean your chimney or flue is on fire. If you hear these sounds, get everyone out of the house. Quickly shut off the fire's air supply by closing any air intake vents in the firebox. Close the damper if possible. Call the fire department from a nearby phone.