PRESS RELEASE

To: NEWSROOM

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Assistant To The Fire Chief

Oct. 27 - Cold Weather Safety Tips

It happens every fall and winter. The weather turns cold and people turn on the space heaters to keep warm. There’s always someone who inadvertently starts a fire . . .

by putting a heater too close to their bed, drapes, furniture and other combustible materials. Then there are the people who end up having fires because the heater is left on all night or the appliance tips over.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says heating devices are the leading cause of fires in the home during December, January, and February. All kinds of space heating equipment are involved in fires in the home: portable electric heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, portable kerosene heaters, and room gas heaters. But these fires don’t have to happen. Most fires with space heaters are preventable if the following key safety measures are followed.

Provide all home heating devices with at least three feet of clear space that is away from beds, drapes, furniture, and other combustible materials.

Heating devices should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

Examine gas lines for punctures or splits. Check the connectors and valves for leaks.

Never leave space heaters on while you’re sleeping.

Leave space for air to circulate around heaters and other heat-producing equipment, such as copy machines, coffeemakers, and computers. Keep appliances away from anything that might catch fire. Do not stack books or papers on top of computer monitors.

Designate someone to turn off or unplug all appliances at the end of each work day at work.

Have chimneys and fireplaces cleaned regularly.

Keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace with fire screens made of heat-tempered glass or sturdy metal.

Burn dry, well-seasoned hard wood because it’s the most efficient fuel.

Most fires in wood stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys occur because of a lack of regular cleaning, leading to the buildup of creosote (the residue of unburned fuel).

Heating equipment that burns fuel is a potential source of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that is created when fuel burns incompletely. Install CO alarms in your home to provide you with an early warning if CO is accumulating.

Because fire can grow and spread quickly, having working smoke alarms in your home can mean the difference between life and death. If you do not have a smoke alarm, install one. But, these life-saving devices are only effective when they’re working properly. Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working.

When temperatures drop, go ahead and use your heating appliances. We want you to be warm and cozy. But, we also want to make sure you’re safe. The Shreveport Fire Department wants everyone to have a safe and happy fall and winter season!