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Fire chief: be wary of winter fire and CO dangers

By P. Robert Wallace

East Longmeadow Fire Chief



This winter with the anticipated spike in the cost of home heating fuels, (oil, propane, wood, pellets, and electricity), the Fire Departments of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in conjunction with State Fire Marshal Steven D. Coan, would like to promote a safe winter heating season. There are two main concerns we are worried about this winter: "preventing both fires and carbon monoxide poisoning."

Public safety Commissioner Thomas G. Gatzunis said "If this is the winter you plan to install a wood stove or start using it more regularly than in the past, be sure to get a permit, make sure it is installed properly, and take the time to educate yourself on how to use it safely."

Also make sure you have "Working" smoke detectors in the proper locations and if you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one today. The last time we had a major increase in fire deaths due to the increase in energy cost was in 2000 when 15 people lost their lives due to heating sources-ten people involving five space heaters.



Suggested Points To Consider



Furnaces should be cleaned and checked annually.

Keep all combustible materials away from all heating equipment.

Keep the thermostat at a moderate temperature to avoid over taxing the furnace.

Chimneys should be cleaned before the start of the heating season.

Check the chimney once a month during the heating season.

Use a chimney guard to prevent animals nesting in your chimney.



Carbon Monoxide



Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and deadly gas produced from improperly working heating appliances, wood or pellet stoves or gas leaks.

Install at least one CO detectors in your home.

Do not operate an attic fan or whole house fan during the winter months as these fans will pull the air away from chimney drawing the products of combustion from your heating system into the living area.

Do not use your stove or range to heat your home.

Make sure snow and ice are cleared from all vents.

Do not warm up your vehilce in the garage-Move it outside.

Do not "Shrink" wrap your doors and windows so tight that will prevent any fresh air from entering the home.



Carbon Monoxide Symptoms



Headaches

Dizziness

Nausea

Confusion

Shortness of breathe

Weakness

Blurred vision



Wood & Pellet Stoves



If you are installing a wood or pellet stove, a building permit must be obtained.

A minimum of 3' in all directions from the stove to any wall or furniture.

Operate your stove at a moderate heat range, do not over pack the stove.

1. If the fire is too low, creosote will accumulate.

2. If the fire is too hot, combustibles and creosote will ignite.

Burn only hard woods in your wood stove.

Use only manufactured pellets in your pellet stove.

Never use any flammable liquid to stoke the fire. It will explode.

Place ashes in a metal container until they are cold.



Space Heaters



If you must use a space heater make sure it has a testing lab label on it.

Make sure it has an automatic tip-over shut-off switch.

Make sure there is a grill over the front of the heating element.

Keep a minimum of a 3" circle from drapes, furniture or any combustible.

If you must use only a 3" heavy duty rated extension cord.

Never leave a space heater unattended while you sleep.

Space heaters are intended for a short term use of heat.

Never use electric heaters near any water source.



Kerosene Heaters are illegal



According to MGL, Chapter 148, Section 5a, 25A and 25B, the sale and use of all liquid-fired (Kerosene) unvented space heaters are illegal in Massachusetts. Do not use in "any" residential housing.



Smoke Alarms (Detectors)



The best way to protect your family is to install smoke detectors and make sure they are working. You should design and practice a home fire escape drill to make sure everyone can get out of the house and stay out in the event of a fire. By offering these helpful hints, it is our intention to provide a fire safe community.

If there are questions please call the station Monday - Friday 8 a.m. 4 p.m. for further assistance.