From The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*PRODUCERS/EDITORS: To arrange an interview with your local FASNY representative or for more information, please contact one of the following:
Contacts: Liz Burke, (212) 981-5263 / (917) 573-1440; Andrea Vividor, (212) 981-5193
As Temperatures Drop Outdoors, Play It Safe When Heating Indoors
Tough economic times may lead to an increase in home fires this winter
(NEW YORK) – A recent survey shows that recent economic struggles are leading some families to turn to alternative home heating sources during the upcoming winter months – unwittingly increasing the risk of home fire hazards. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) reminds New Yorkers to take extra precautions when heating their homes and apartments.
“As the economy continues to take a turn for the worse, more and more homeowners may turn to less safe methods of heating their homes, such as space heaters and fireplaces,” said FASNY president Thomas J. Cuff. “While these are acceptable heating options when guidelines are followed, they do have the potential to be a major contributing factor to residential fires, especially if safety measures are not followed.”
A recent survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Red Cross shows that economic factors, such as the cost of home heating oil, are leading more homeowners to use space heaters – which, if not used properly, may result in an increased home fire risk. Furthermore, statistics from the NFPA shows there is a historically elevated risk of dying from fire during the winter season, with December, January and February generally being the deadliest months for fires; in fact, a recent NFPA report shows 73% of home heating fire deaths are attributed to space heaters.
FASNY offers the following safety tips when using:
Portable space heaters:
- Never leave a portable space heater in a room unattended, and always follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and maintenance.
- Use space heaters for a limited time each day.
- Never connect a space heater to an outlet with an extension cord.
- Unplug the unit when not in use. Let it cool down prior to storing the unit.
- Keep a window ajar or the door open in a room where an unvented heater is in use.
- Never use heaters to dry clothing or other combustibles.
Fireplaces:
- Make sure the flue is open before using a fireplace for the first time this season.
- Remove any and all obstructions from your chimney. Obstructions will cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home.
- Never leave a fireplace unattended.
- Chimneys and vents should be inspected and cleaned annually.
- Take care when stoking a fire. Do not burn newspapers or trash in a fireplace. Doing so may ignite a chimney fire or send flaming embers into your home, causing fire.
Gas or Electric Furnaces:
- Check for a build-up of dust and dirt on heating elements for gas or electric furnaces. When turned on for the first time this season, there may be a burning smell and/or a light haze of smoke may occur. Neither the smell nor the smoke are harmful and will completely burn away after a few uses.
- However, if smoke emanating from the furnace turns black and the furnace starts to rumble, leave the building immediately, and call your local fire department.
- Run the furnace for the first time in the season on a warmer day with all windows open to allow the smell of burning dust and dirt build-up to escape.
- All heating units should be tuned up by a professional certified technician. Regular inspections and cleanings of your heating system help to ensure maximum efficiency during the winter months.
Coal and Wood Burning Stoves:
- Use coal only if specifically approved by the stove manufacturer. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be used to start a wood fire.
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Test your home smoke alarms at least once per month. Do this by pressing the “test” button on the unit.
- If your detectors are battery operated, check the batteries often to make sure the units are operational.
- If you do not have one already installed, install a carbon monoxide detector to detect production of potentially lethal carbon monoxide by gas fireplaces, gas stoves, barbecues, gas furnaces.
- Use Daylight Saving Time as a bi-annual reminder to change your smoke detector and CO detector batteries twice a year.
For additional information on home heating safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at www.nfpa.org.
About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 100,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State.
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