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Heat Homes Safely As winter approaches, the days are not only getting shorter, they’re getting colder, too. And that means North Carolinians are cranking up furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters to help take the chill off. In an effort to reduce the number of fires arising from home heating equipment, the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) the not-for-profit product safety testing organization, are working together this fall to remind consumers to use all heating appliances - including furnaces fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and portable electric and kerosene heaters - safely. In the last two years, at least 27 people across North Carolina have died from heating-related fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported 48,800 home heating fires in the United States in 1999 (the most recent statistics available), which injured nearly 1,400 people and killed 301. These fires resulted in more than $600 million in property damage. Two out of every three of those fires and five out of every six deaths were attributed to space heating equipment. UL Consumer Affairs Manager, John Drengenberg, says space heaters have one function - to provide supplemental heat. “Don’t use them to warm bedding, cook food, thaw pipes or dry clothing. Misusing space heaters can put you and your family at risk for fire or burn injuries.” First is not the only risk associated with heating equipment. During last year’s ice storm and power outages some residents across the state brought charcoal or gas grills indoors for heat. At least two deaths were reported in North Carolina due to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is released by any heating device that produced an open flame. The North Carolina Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal and UL offer these additional tips for protecting your home from fire during the winter months: • Fireplaces - Have a professional inspect chimneys and clean them if necessary before the heating season. Use a sturdy fireplace screen to avoid stray sparks. Burn only wood in the fireplace, never flammable liquids, paper or anything that could travel out the chimney and ignite the roof. • Furnaces - Heating systems should be inspected regularly. Properly trained and licensed professionals should do all repairs. Keep all vents clean and clear of any obstructions. • Wood stoves - Wood stoves should bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory such as UL, and meet all local fire codes. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for proper installation, use and maintenance and install stoves on approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and hot coals. Chimneys and chimney connections should be checked just as with a fireplace and l, like fireplaces, only wood should be burned in a wood stove. • Portable kerosene heaters - Only burn the manufacturer recommended fuel, never a substitute. A different fuel can burn hotter than the equipment is designed to accomodate. Before refueling, turn off the heater and let it cool down first. If fueld is spilled, clean it up quickly and thoroughly. Store the kerosene in an approved container away from heat or open flame and always use the heater in a well-ventilated area. • Electric Heaters - If you have an electric space heater, check for frayed insulation, broken wires or overheating. Have all problems repaired by a professional technician before operating. When buying space heaters, look for devices with automatic shut-off features and heating element guards. Avoid using extension cords with space heaters. If you must use one, make sure you choose an extension cord of the right wire gauge size and type for your heaters. |