With the arrival of
the first truly bitter temperatures of the season, Indiana State Fire
Marshal Jim Greeson is urging Hoosiers to think twice about using space
heaters and other forms of alternative heating.
“Strongly consider
other options before using alternative heating,” Greeson said in a statement
released on Wednesday. “Add insulation or other heat-capturing barriers to
window and doors. Wearing warmer clothes and adding blankets will also help
with comfort. If you must use space heaters or other forms of alternative
heating, take precautions.”
Some safety tips:
*Space heaters
should always be kept away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing,
curtains, bedding, and furniture. There should be at least a three-foot
perimeter around space heaters at all times. Avoid using candles or
appliances, such as a stove or oven, to heat the home.
*Fireplaces should
be regularly cleaned and inspected by a certified professional, such as a
chimney sweep. Gas fireplaces should have properly working ventilation with
a functioning carbon monoxide detector nearby. “Creosote deposits build up
quickly in chimneys and can easily catch fire,” Greeson said. “Keep anything
flammable away from fireplaces, and use only paper or kindling to start a
fire. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand in case the fire grows too
large or out of control.”
*Fires should
always be extinguished and space heaters unplugged before going to bed or
leaving the home for any period of time. Do not leave space heaters running
in unoccupied rooms. In addition to safe heating, do not overload electrical
outlets.
Fire Deaths and
Smoke Alarms
Greeson is also
urging Hoosiers to check their smoke detectors. “Last year we had more than
75 fire-related deaths, and in a lot of these cases there was not a working
smoke alarm in the home,” he said. “Smoke alarms are proven to save lives.”
“Test your smoke
detector to make sure it works,” Greeson noted. “Even if it responds
correctly, if you don’t remember the last time you changed your batteries,
do it today. If you don’t have a smoke detector, buy one and install it. If
you don’t have the funds, contact your local fire department or social
service agency to see if one can be provided.”
Investigators from
the Indiana Department of Homeland Security responded to more than 300 fires
in 2014 and in more than half of those investigations, the location had no
smoke alarms at all or had non-working smoke alarms, the statement said.
Working smoke
alarms are important to have year round, but especially in the winter months
when alternative heating sources are used. “Space heaters account for
one-third of home heating fires, according to the National Fire Protection
Association,” the statement said.
For more
information on safe alternative heating safety, visit GetPrepared.in.gov