Fireplace and Wood Burning Safety

Just when we thought it could not get any colder -- it will!  No doubt many of you are firing up the wood burning stove or fireplace in your home.  Each year, we continue to run too many fires as a result of improperly discarded fireplace and wood stove ashes!

Please take a moment to review the below related safety tips to help make sure you enjoy your fireplace or wood burning stove safely.

Fireplace and wood-stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days after a fire. It is important to learn the following ways to dispose of fireplace and wood-stove ashes properly:

• DO NOT discard your ashes into any combustible container like a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
• DO put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• DO pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• DO keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from combustibles.
• DO teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.

As always, please make sure you test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Practice and plan a family home escape plan.

Portable Heater Safety

We are sticking with the heating safety related theme for obvious reasons.  Below, please find a great video on Portable Heater Safety from our friends at the US Fire Administration.


 

Cold Weather Tips For Home And Outside

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue offers the following tips as more cold weather arrives in the area. With gusty winds and temps with wind chills predicted to drop well below zero, it’s important to be prepared, monitor the weather, be safe and take a minute to check on elderly or home bound neighbors and friends. 

At Home
Give space heaters space and ensure at least 3 feet clearance from combustibles (anything that can burn). Dedicate an outlet for the space heater and do not overload the electrical circuit. Always stay in the room while a space heater is operating, turn it off when leaving the area or room and follow manufacturer recommendations when using space heaters.

Firing up the fireplace? Never discard ashes inside or near the home. Let them completely cool down and place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house, garage or decks or other combustibles. NEVER dispose of ashes in a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box, trash can, recycling bin or bucket. Ashes can remain hot enough to rekindle several days after a fire. 

Remember: no ash in the trash.

Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.

Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a CO detector in your home and be sure to test your smoke alarm monthly to ensure it’s working. Remember, never warm-up your car in an attached garage or carport.

Winter Driving
Keep a cold weather kit in your car. Include important safety items such as a fully charged cell phone, a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, gloves, hat, scarf and a first-aid kit.

- Fill up a gallon size baggie with kitty litter to keep in the car during the winter in case you get stuck in the ice.

- Be sure to have the proper amount of antifreeze in your vehicle. Antifreeze works to prevent your engine block from freezing.

- Check your wipers and ensure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid. Want your wipers to last longer? Don’t turn them on until after they’re cleared of ice and snow.
  

Pedestrian Safety
Slippery driveways and sidewalks can be particularly hazardous in the winter. Keep them well-shoveled and apply materials such as rock salt or sand to improve traction.

Icy Dangers

It is a good time to talk to your kids about cold weather safety. Extra care is needed, especially with younger children, to ensure they are prepared for the bitter cold weather in the forecast.

- Ice dangers: Despite the cold temps, there is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice in our region. Remind children to stay away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water that may appear to be frozen or have a thin coating of ice. 

- If you witness someone falling through the ice, the best way to help them is to immediately call 9-1-1 so rescue personnel can quickly be dispatched. Resist the urge to go out on the ice after them or else you could fall through too. Would-be rescuers frequently become victims when they fall through the ice as well.

- Keep an eye on the location where the victim is so you can direct rescuers to that location.

- While waiting for rescue personnel to arrive on the scene, extend or throw a long object to the victim such as rope, pole, tree limb or even a scarf to help pull them to shore. If using a rope, have the victim tie the rope around them in case they become weakened by the cold and are unable to hold onto the rope. Reassure them that help is on the way and if they are able to self-rescue out of the water take immediate measures to keep them warm to help prevent hypothermia while waiting for rescue personnel to arrive.

-  Keep dogs on leashes around frozen bodies of waters. Many dogs are seriously injured or killed after falling through ice.

Sledding Safety

The high incidence of sledding injuries is related to a combination of speed, steep hills, bumpy terrain and often icy conditions. Make sure that sledding areas do not cross any traffic areas and are clear of hazards such as trees, rocks, fences, telephone poles, ponds and other dangers. The majority of sledding injuries are caused by collisions. Remember the safest sledding position is feet first. Sledding headfirst increases the risk of head injury and should be avoided.  Fire officials in Montgomery County recommend that children wear a helmet when sledding. 

Winter Fires: Safety Tips for the Home

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of woodburning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and manmade logs.

All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire safe home this winter.

Kerosene Heaters

• Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in the event the heater is tipped over.
• Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal, kerosene, or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.
• Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. NEVER introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel.
• Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.
• NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. DO NOT use cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms up.
• Refueling should be done outside of the home (or outdoors). Keep children, pets and clothing away from heaters.
• When using a fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.

Wood Stove and Fireplaces

Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful attention to safety can minimize fire hazards.

To use them safely:

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from escaping, unwanted material from going in, and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

Furnace Heating

It is important that you have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that it is in good working condition.

• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
• All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Other Fire Saftey Tips

• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
• Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
• If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry an amp load.
  TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.
• Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.
• Be certain that your heater is placed on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets.
• Use heaters on the floor. Never place heaters on furniture, since they may fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the heater, which could result in a fire or shock hazard.
• Keep all heaters in safe working conditions. Never operate a defective heater.
• Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
• Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame, otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space. Use hot water or a UL-labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing and it is recommended that you consult with a qualified professional.
• If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all the windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.
• Do not run cords under rugs or carpets. Placing anything on top of the cord could cause the cord to overheat and result in a fire.

Finally...

• Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and check and clean it on a monthly basis. In addition, have a carbon monoxide alarm outside each sleeping area.
• Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.
• Contact your local fire department for advice if you have a question on home fire safety or to schedule for a free home safety inspection.

Fire Safe Home For The Holidays!

The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants to help make your holidays joyful and safe. By taking the simple safety precautions listed below, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones will have a Fire Safe Home For The Holidays!

Lights and Candles

• Decorate your tree using only UL (Underwriters' Lab Inc.) approved lights and cords. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights on one extension cord, and never run an electrical cord under a carpet. Be sure to secure electrical cords so that children cannot pull them and topple the tree.
• Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed, depart from home or leave the tree in an unattended room.
• Keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets; keep matches and lighters out of sight and locked away. Make sure they are in stable holders. Do not leave candles unattended - especially around children or pets.
• Do not place candles near draperies or anything that might easily catch fire. Make sure you put out candles when you go to bed or leave the home.
• Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree! Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Cooking

• Never leave cooking food unattended - it is the number one cause of house fires.
• Make sure you wear close-fitting clothing when cooking.
• Put pans on back burners and turn all pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Never leave a child unattended in the kitchen. Close supervision is essential, whether children are helping an adult cook or simply watching.

Trees

• When selecting a tree for the Holiday, needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. A safer option is to buy a fire-resistant artificial tree.
• Use a wide-based stand to make sure the tree is secure and will not fall over. Keep your tree in a container full of water, and check it daily.
• Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and heating vents. Decorate your tree with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that are breakable, have small detachable parts, metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Make sure tree lights are hung out of reach of young children. Also, cut back the lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children.
• Never burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in your fireplace. Dispose of your tree promptly after the holidays.

Other Related Tips

• Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned.
• Space heaters need space. Keep materials that burn easily at least three feet away from each heater.
• Working smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least twice a year.
• Plan and practice at least two fire escape routes from each room of your home and identify an outside meeting place.

Happy First Day Of Fall And The Start Of Home Heating Fire Season!

Fall has been in the air this past week and today it is officially here!  With the cooler air also comes the start of home heating fire season!

Did you know that heating fires are the second leading cause of fires in the home?  Take a moment to learn more in the below report from the US Fire Administration.

US Fire Administration Releases Report on Heating Fires in Residential Buildings

The good news is that they are mostly preventable incidents!  Take steps now to get your home ready and to make it a bit safer!

Winter Safety (Fire Safety Tips for the Home)

Fireplace and Wood Burning Safety

Holiday Candle Safety

The Holidays are here and candles are in demand. See, hear and/or read a quick presentation on Candle Safety below.

 

Fire Safe Home For The Holidays!

The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants to help make your holidays joyful and safe. By taking the simple safety precautions listed below, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones will have a Fire Safe Home For The Holidays!

Lights and Candles

• Decorate your tree using only UL (Underwriters' Lab Inc.) approved lights and cords. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights on one extension cord, and never run an electrical cord under a carpet. Be sure to secure electrical cords so that children cannot pull them and topple the tree.
• Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed, depart from home or leave the tree in an unattended room.
• Keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets; keep matches and lighters out of sight and locked away. Make sure they are in stable holders. Do not leave candles unattended - especially around children or pets.
• Do not place candles near draperies or anything that might easily catch fire. Make sure you put out candles when you go to bed or leave the home.
• Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree! Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Cooking

• Never leave cooking food unattended - it is the number one cause of house fires.
• Make sure you wear close-fitting clothing when cooking.
• Put pans on back burners and turn all pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Never leave a child unattended in the kitchen. Close supervision is essential, whether children are helping an adult cook or simply watching.

Trees

• When selecting a tree for the Holiday, needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. A safer option is to buy a fire-resistant artificial tree.
• Use a wide-based stand to make sure the tree is secure and will not fall over. Keep your tree in a container full of water, and check it daily.
• Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and heating vents. Decorate your tree with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that are breakable, have small detachable parts, metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Make sure tree lights are hung out of reach of young children. Also, cut back the lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children.
• Never burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in your fireplace. Dispose of your tree promptly after the holidays.

Other Related Tips

• Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned.
• Space heaters need space. Keep materials that burn easily at least three feet away from each heater.
• Working smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least twice a year.
• Plan and practice at least two fire escape routes from each room of your home and identify an outside meeting place.

More Winter Weather On The Way – Is It Really Last Wednesday Again!?

I am beginning to feel as if I am in the movie “Groundhog Day.” Many of you are familiar with the movie where the main character (Bill Murray) re-lives the previous day over and over again.

With our winter weather this month, it seems like there is a new winter storm on the horizon each day. Sure enough an interesting system seems to be headed our way which could produce snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain, or all of the above.

On Thursday of last week, I posted an abundance of winter storm safety information (and other information) that, in the spirit of Groundhog Day, is pertinent for what might be heading our way.

So please take a moment to click below and take a moment to review and, importantly, make sure you and your loved ones are PREPARED in case of bad winter weather.

Safety Tips, Fire Hydrants, Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies

Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks During Cold Weather

Do not run a generator inside the home or an attached garage or carport. Carbon Monoxide fumes can kill you! Generators should be OUTSIDE and away from your home!

Go here to learn more about: Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks During Cold Weather

Safety Tips, Fire Hydrants, Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies

Just a reminder that there is a County web site you can go to so that you have all the latest and greatest information on Delays, Closings, & Other Information Due to Winter Storms & Emergencies.

Lots of great information.

Just a reminder to also clear any snow from around fire hydrants!  Help us to potentially help you!

Winter Weather Tips

Winter Storms

Disaster Preparedness

Fireplace Safety Tips

Candle Safety - even though you should be using battery powered lighting! : )

Hope everyone is staying warm and at home!  Conditions are gradually improving.

Be safe!

Bill

Winter Storm Fire Safety: Risk of Fire Increases When Winter Storms Strike!

It appears some sort of winter storm is headed our way for tomorrow and Thursday. At this point in time, the weather people are saying there should not be too much snow accumulation though there may be some sleet/freezing rain.

Regardless this is a good time to remind everyone of some safety tips you should be thinking about! As a matter of fact, according to our partners at the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Prevention Association, the risk of fire in your home increases when winter storms strike!

There are many reasons that the risk of fire increases. So please take a brief moment out of your busy day and learn how you can protect you and your loved ones.

Learn more: Winter Storm Fire Safety

Two-Alarm Apartment Fire & Space Heater Safety

With cold weather usually, unfortunately, come home fires. A little after mid-night this morning was no exception as MCFRS personnel responded to a two-alarm apartment fire in the 2900 Block of Hewitt Avenue.


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One resident was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Damage to the building was $250K and $100K for contents of the impacted apartments. Preliminary findings indicate that a space heater, placed too close to items that can burn, MAY be a contributing factor to this fire.

If you scroll back the last several days of this blog, you will notice we hit on the topic of cold weather fires and the usual suspect causes. The common theme is that a vast majority of these fires are preventable incidents. In other words, they did not have to happen.

Please remember that space heaters need SPACE! There should be nothing within a 3 foot radius of the space heater that can burn! Clothes and other burnable items should not be placed in and around the space heater to dry out or warm up! A vast majority of space heater related fires we respond too are not caused by a malfunction of the space heater.
Please take a moment to review the below tips for more information. Also, PLEASE feel free to forward to friends and family members. Help us to help you and your loved ones from having to place a 9-1-1 call because your home is on fire.

For portable space heaters:

o Fuel-fired space heaters are only permitted in single-family dwellings (houses and townhouses) in Montgomery County.

o Space heaters need space. Portable space heaters need a three-foot clearance from anything that can burn.

o When buying heaters, look for devices that are UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed with automatic shutoff features that shut the unit off if it is tipped over. Be sure any heating device is placed in a room with adequate ventilation.

o Portable kerosene heaters should be fueled outside, free of flame and other heat sources, and only when the device has cooled completely. Use only the type of kerosene specified by the manufacturer for that device.

o Place them on a solid, flat surface.

o Turn them off when you go to bed or leave the room.

o Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.

o Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.

o Follow manufacturer recommendations when using space heaters.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

By: Lieutenant Dave Carter, Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage.

According to the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live or fresh cut tree in the house.

Safety Links

· Christmas Tree Fire Hazards

· Selecting a Christmas Tree

· Christmas Tree Care

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home to include all sleeping areas, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

Know when and how to call for help (ESPECIALLY CHILDREN). Ensure your house has the address readable from the street in night time light conditions.

Have in place and remember to practice your home escape plan. The plan should have at least 2 points of escape from each living area and a meeting place outside for family members exiting the home. Meet in a safe area that is visible to responding fire department personnel. Be able to provide information for anyone not accounted for.

Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Discard Fireplace Ashes in a Metal Container Away From the House and Keep Clutter Away From Heat Sources

The cold temperatures are here. More fires seem to occur around this time of the year as the result of combustibles too close to a heat sources, malfunction in chimney flues, improperly placed fireplace ashes, malfunctioning heating systems and/or associated electrical overloads. During the upcoming months, home heating systems and heating equipment continue to be significant factor in structural fires in Montgomery County. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips and information, from our friends at the NFPA and USFA, can help you maintain a fire safe home and business this winter.

Winter Fire Safety

PUT A FREEZE ON WINTER FIRES