Check Your Hotspots
Each year fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans,
injures tens of thousands, and causes billions of dollars
worth of damage. People living in rural areas are more
than twice as likely to die in a fire than those living in
mid-sized cities or suburban areas. The misuse of wood
stoves, portable space heaters and kerosene heaters are
especially common risks in rural areas.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) believes
rural fire problems can be reduced by teaching people to
recognize the hazards. By following some of the outlined
precautionary steps, individuals can greatly reduce their
chances of becoming a fire casualty.
Wood Stoves
Wood stoves cause over 9,000 residential fires every
year. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and
maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction,
such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks
and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints
and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green
wood, artificial logs, or trash. Inspect and clean your
pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage
or obstructions. Be sure to keep combustible objects at
least three feet away from your wood stove.
Electric Space Heaters
Buy only heaters with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)
safety listing. Check to make sure it has a thermostat
control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if
the heater falls over. Heaters are not dryers or tables;
don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater.
Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three
feet away from each heater. Always unplug your electric
space heater when not in use.
Kerosene Heaters
Buy only UL-approved heaters and check with your local
fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use in
your community. Never fill your heater with gasoline or
camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily. Only use crystal
clear K-1 kerosene. Never overfill any portable heater.
Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their
chimneys. They need to be cleaned out frequently and
chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks
to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make
sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never
burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These
materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult
to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs
and big enough to cover the entire opening of the
fireplace to catch flying sparks. Don't wear loose-fitting
clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is
completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.
Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container
outside the home.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically
increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember
to practice a home escape plan frequently with your
family.
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