Thu, Jan 14th 2016 12:55 pm
Winter
is here; stay safe
Editorial
by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York
After an unusually mild December, winter has finally
arrived as icy winds and sub-freezing temperatures blanket much of the
Northeast. The Firemen's Association of the State of New York has some helpful
advice for New Yorkers withstanding the cold, and how to remain safe in the
chilly months ahead.
Fireplaces and space heaters can be useful in
keeping warm, but they must be properly and safely utilized. It's critical New
Yorkers double-check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors now to minimize
risks. Statistics from the NFPA show there is a higher risk of dying from a
fire during the winter season, with December through February ranking among the
deadliest months for fires.
"As the weather is growing colder and colder, we
encourage New Yorkers to follow these simple steps to remain as safe as
possible," FASNY President Robert McConville said. "The numbers don't lie: There
are more fires and fire deaths during the winter, many of which can be avoided.
"Stay warm, and stay safe."
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:
- If
smoke emanating from the furnace turns black and the furnace starts to rumble,
leave the building immediately, and call your local fire department.
- 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 and gas furnaces.
- Use
Daylight Saving Time as a biannual 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, FASNY represents the interests of the more than 88,000 volunteer
firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York. For more information,
visit www.fasny.com.