Commerce News Release
News Releases
Home

Reports of High Heating Costs Prompt Warning from State Fire Marshal

use of alternative heating sources requires extra precautions

 

Reacting to recent reports of higher home heating bills this winter, State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage is issuing warnings to consumers who may look for alternative or supplemental heating methods. These include electric or kerosene heaters, fireplaces and woodburning stoves.

"Our past experience shows that the popularity of alternative heating devices grows as home heating costs rise," said Rielage. "While alternative heating devices may help keep you warm, they also present a number of fire safety hazards that must be addressed by the user."

More than 15,600 fires resulting in 131 deaths and 970 injuries occurred in Ohio homes in 1999. Almost as many fires occur during the winter heating season as occur throughout the rest of the year. State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage points out that fires related to home heating are primarily responsible for the increased number of fires during the winter. More than 1,300 residential fires last year were caused by home heating appliances. Nearly 900 of these fires were caused by wood stoves and portable heaters.

"Our greatest concern with alternative heating is that devices such as wood stoves and portable heaters require greater attention to safety precautions than central heating systems," said Rielage. "People are either unaware of the necessary safety practices or simply fail to take the time to follow them." Rielage emphasized that people should begin preparing for winter now so that they can thoroughly read instructions and take the time to safely assemble or prepare the devices for use. Starting now also means avoiding having to wait for any necessary repairs, servicing or inspections.

WOOD BURNING STOVES--One of the most important safety factors is the use of a wood stove with a clean chimney and stove pipe.

• Inspect and clean chimney and stove pipe at the beginning of the heating season.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood and avoid slow burning, smoky fires, to reduce the amount of flammable soot build-up.
• Never use flammable liquids to light a fire.
• Never store flammable liquids in an area where a stove is being used.
• Never burn trash, large amounts of paper or small twigs.
• Never leave the doors open or screen off except to fuel the fire.
• Never dry clothing closer than three feet to the stove and keep all furniture away as well.
• Never leave small children alone in a room where a wood stove is in use.
• Dispose of ashes in metal containers with tight-fitting lids and set the container only on a noncombustible surface. Never dispose of ashes in a trash container.

PORTABLE HEATERS--These pose a double risk, as they can not only start a fire, but are portable and can block the exit of a room.

• Clean and adjust the wick according to manufacturer's instruction, prior to use.
• Read and follow all operating and safety instructions included in the original package, as well as warnings printed on the heater.
• Use only 1-K or "water clear" kerosene as fuel.
• Never use gasoline, as it will cause the heater to explode.
• Position heaters, including electric heaters away from all furniture, draperies or bedding
• Never place heaters in hallways or doorways.

"Of course, the biggest factor in safely escaping a fire is early detection and quick evacuation," said Rielage. He offered these tips:

• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with kerosene heaters or wood burning devices.
• Test detectors at least once a month to ensure that they are working properly.
• Change your Clock, Change Your Battery--Change your smoke-detector and CO-detector batteries when the clock changes in the fall, or whenever the detector "chirps" to signal low battery power.
• Never "borrow" a smoke detector’s battery for another use. A disabled detector cannot save a life!
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

# # #

 

[Commerce Home Page] [Commerce News Releases]
[State of Ohio Front Page]

Send mail to webadmin@com.state.oh.us with questions or comments about this web site.
Information believed accurate but not guaranteed.  The State of Ohio disclaims liability for any errors or omissions.