COLD WAVE FIRE SAFETY TIPS

CANDLES, STOVES NOT SAFE WAYS TO KEEP WARM

With the cold wave expected to last throughout the week in South Florida, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s Office once again reminds residents to stay safe when it comes to keeping warm.

In 2006, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 64,100 reported home structure fires, 540 deaths, 1,400 injuries and almost one billion dollars in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Also that year, most home heating fire deaths (73%), injuries (43%) and half (51%) of the associated property damage involved stationary or portable space heaters. Space heating poses a much higher risk of fire, death, injury and loss than central heating. Using candles or open flames to keep warm, or using an oven or stove burners to heat your house is a fire hazard.

According to the Home Safety Council, each year in the United States 240,000 home fires occur as 67 percent of American households use gas, wood, kerosene, coal or other fuels as their major heating source. Burning these fuels releases potentially fatal carbon monoxide (CO) fumes. Every year, exposure to dangerous levels of CO results in more than 100,000 medical visits and 300 home poisoning deaths in the country.

The Broward Sheriff Fire Marshal’s Bureau offers the following safety tips to help you avoid tragedy:

Have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Replace batteries as the manufacturer recommends. Carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless, is a silent killer.

NEVER use a gas or charcoal barbecue grill inside your home or any enclosed area. And stoves, ovens and toasters are for cooking, not heating the house.

Only use electric space heaters approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). Place the units at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, people, pets and window treatments.

Don't hide cords from portable heaters under rugs. Avoid using extension cords with space heaters. Use only heavy-duty, approved extension cords if you must. ALWAYS turn off space/portable heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep. Use extra blankets to keep warm at night.

Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use. Never use space heaters to dry clothing, blankets or towels.

When you turn on the heat in your home for the first time, expect a slight burning smell from the accumulation of dust that burns off coils. This smell should dissipate within a few minutes. If it does not, or if you notice smoke or flames, call 9-1-1 as there may be an electrical problem.

Establish a fire escape plan (and practice it), with at least two ways out of every room.