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Fire-prevention experts urge caution for home heating
YOUNGSTOWN
As winter – the most-deadly season for home fires – sets in, fire-safety experts urge people to follow safe home-heating practices.
“Typically, in the months of January and February, we see our highest deaths occur because those are our coldest months,” said Frank Conway, chief of the state Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Bureau.
“We see people turn to alternative heat sources, which, if they’re not properly used, can cause a fire,” he said.
The fire marshal recently reported, as part of its “Safe and Sound” fire-prevention campaign, that as of Dec. 29, 117 Ohioans had died in fires in 2015. Three of those fatalities were in Mahoning County; seven were in Columbiana County; and two were in Trumbull County, according to statistics provided by the state.
To prevent those incidents from occurring, the fire marshal’s office recommends a number of fire-prevention tips. Of particular concern are space heaters, both electric and kerosene, Conway said.
“Space heaters need space. So we want to make sure we keep at least three feet of clearance around it,” he said. “Let’s not sleep with that space heater on, because then it’s functioning and not being monitored.”
Experts say to keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources, including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.
They also recommend using a space heater with an automatic shut-off, so the device will shut down if it falls.
With kerosene heating sources, Conway warned about the risk of carbon- monoxide emissions and emphasized the importance of having carbon-monoxide detectors in the home.
Cooking appliances such as ovens should never be used as an alternate heating source. Aside from home heating, winter in this region also brings the risk of storms and subsequent power outages. In those situations, generators should be used only outside the home, Conway said.
“We don’t want generators used in the garage or in a closed-in area because of carbon monoxide,” he said. Gas-powered generators should be allowed to cool off before being refueled so that gasoline vapors do not catch fire, he added.
People should closely monitor alternate lighting sources such as candles; do not leave them unattended or go to bed with them still burning, Conway said. Pets and children should be kept away from potentially dangerous heat and light sources.
Additionally, Conway said, “We always like to reinforce the message of having working smoke detectors in the home, and testing those monthly. Have a fire exit plan, and practice that fire exit plan. Once out [of the house in case of a fire], stay out, and then call the fire department.”
For information about programs that can help pay utility bills, visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website at puco.ohio.gov.