BROOKLINE FIRE DEPARTMENT
4 BOND STREET
P.O. BOX 660
BROOKLINE, N.H. 03033-0660
Phone 603-672-8531, Fax
603-672-8538
BE SAFE DURING THE WINTER
SEASON
The State Fire Marshal and
the Brookline Fire Department urges everyone to be safety conscious during cold
weather months. ÒCold weather
causes a higher fire threat due to increased uses of heating sources, such as
electrical space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.
In New Hampshire, fire deaths
typically increase during the colder months from November through February, and
all too often are the result of improper use of heating systems. The major causes of home heating fires
are from heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces and are caused by:
á
Leaving portable or
space heaters unattended;
á
Fueling errors involving
liquid or gas-fueled heaters;
á
Flaws in design,
installation or use;
á
Placing things that can
burn too close to space and portable heaters, and;
á
Lack of regular cleaning
of chimneys in fireplaces and wood stove.
The New Hampshire State Fire
MarshalÕs Office suggests the following safety tips to ensure a safe and happy
holiday season:
ELECTRIC HEATERS
Electric heaters should have
automatic safety switches to turn them off if tipped over. They also should carry the UL approval
label. Be sure to check cords
before plugging in the heater. If
frayed, worn, or broken, do not use.
Either replace the heater or have an electrician replace the cord. Just putting tape on the cord is not
enough to prevent overheating and fire.
Never use extension cords with portable heaters. To supply a heater with a small,
ordinary household extension cord will cause the cord to overheat and
burn. Keep all materials that can
burn at least 36 inches away from unit.
KEROSENE HEATERS
Many kerosene heater- related
fires are attributed to the misuse or abuse of the devices itself. Get started on the right foot by
purchasing a heater that carries the UL label. This means it has been tested for safety. Be sure it has an automatic safety
switch to shut it off if itÕs tipped over. An automatic starter eliminates the need for matches and
makes for safer starts. A fuel
gauge will help ensure you do not overfill the heater dangerously. A safety grill on the front can prevent
accidental contact burns. Be sure
to follow the manufacturerÕs instructions for assembly. Use only crystal-clear 1K kerosene,
never yellow or contaminated kerosene or any other fuel. Refill the heater outside. Store kerosene outside in a metal container
with a tight fitting lid that is clearly marked for kerosene. When using kerosene heaters, be sure
the room is well ventilated.
Opening a door to an adjoining room or area may be enough. Better yet, slightly open a window in
the room.
WOOD HEATERS
Wood stoves and other wood
burning devices are popular heating systems. Before investing in one for your home, think as much about
safety as you will about ease of use, efficiency and appearance. Have your stove installed by a
professional. Keep a tight fitting
screen or glass doors in front of the stove or fireplace at all times. Special retaining screens can keep
children and pets away from wood stoves and prevent burns. Dispose of ashes in metal containers,
never in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or plastic wastebaskets. Wet ashes down to cool them
thoroughly. Remember, ashes can
retain enough heat to cause a fire for several days, so take no chances. Although these tips should help
prevent a fire, know the signs of danger.
A loud roar, sucking sounds and shaking pipes mean trouble and
danger. If you hear these sounds,
get everyone out of the house.
Quickly shut off the fireÕs air supply by closing any air intake vents
in the firebox. Close the
damper. Call the fire department
from a nearby phone.
GENERAL HEATING TIPS
Keep any heater at least
three feet away from anything that might burn. This means curtains, walls, furniture, papers, etc. To avoid injury and other mishaps, keep
children and pets away from heaters.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, donÕt try to get a small device to do a big job. For best results, direct the heat from
a portable heater where you want it.
It wonÕt heat an entire room.
Focus the heat where you need it - but not so close it can cause fires
or burns.
CANDLE SAFETY
If you choose to use lit
candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot
be easily knocked down. Never
leave lit candles unattended. Lit candles
should not be placed on or near your Christmas tree or near anything that can
burn. Young children can be
fascinated with a burning flame, so be sure candles are not in reach of curious
hands.
Now is a great time to make
sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and
to review your home escape plan so that if in the event of a fire, everyone in
your household knows how to get out quickly and safely. ÒMany people are also
taking advantage of residential sprinkler systems. These systems are designed to put the fire out before it can
become a problem and is a relatively inexpensive way to provide even greater
safety for your family,Ó adds Marshal Degnan. If you have one of these systems they should be serviced
annually to make sure they are in working order.
Snow removal:
Over the past couple of
weeks we have been experiencing at least a snowstorm a week. With all this snow on the roofs of
houses and buildings it causes an extreme amount of weight. This snow should be removed from
your roofs safely. Also
any outside vents for heating equipment shall be kept clear of snow for example
Furnaces, Pellet Stoves, and wood stoves to prevent the possibility of Carbon
Monoxide from building up in your residence. If you have any questions on these items please contact the
Brookline Fire Department at 672-8531 or the Hollis Communications Center at
465-3636.