Thursday, December 06, 2012
Stay fire safe while staying warm in winter
Ottawa – Ottawa Fire Services wants to remind residents of the importance of fire prevention and safety as they heat their homes over the winter months.
Any time of year, it is important to ensure that all required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tested regularly to ensure they are working properly. Also, develop a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family.
Fire safety for the winter months:
- Heating appliances such as space heaters should not have anything combustible close by and need at least one metre (three feet) of space around them. Inspect the electrical cord attached. If it overheats, you have a fire hazard.
- Ensure electrical and heating systems and chimneys are regularly checked by a professional, especially prior to the winter season when they are in maximum use.
- Keep young children and pets away from space heaters and fireplaces.
Additional fireplace tips:
- Open the damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool enough to touch.
- Ensure a fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Do not store combustible materials such as paper or wood too close to the fireplace.
- Use a screen in front of the fireplace opening to protect children and to prevent embers from escaping and igniting carpets, etc.
- Use dry, well-seasoned wood in small amounts.
- Never overload your fireplace.
- Never use charcoal starter fluids, gasoline or any flammable substance to start fires.
- When using artificial logs, burn only one at a time and follow instructions on the wrapping.
- Always place the ashes in a metal container and take them outside the house.
Carbon monoxide reminder:
There must be an adequate supply of air for complete burning or else an excessive amount of carbon monoxide may accumulate indoors. Ensure that your wood stove or fireplace is not competing, for long periods of time, with your clothes dryer, kitchen, bathroom and attic vent fans, central vacuum cleaners and kitchen barbecues, all of which exhaust air from the home and starve the furnace or the fireplace of oxygen.
For more fireplace safety tips go to ottawa.ca.
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