Published: January 29, 2007 08:13 am            

The heat is on

In the case of extremely cold weather, many may only think about the fastest way to get warm. However, almost every heating device has the potential to start a fire or omit carbon monoxide, often referred to as “The Silent Killer,” said Corey Lewis, public information officer for the Richmond Fire Department.

As temperatures drop, Lewis said he wants to make sure the community is aware of some possible dangers created by heating devices such as space and kerosene heaters.

“Some people even try to heat their house with their stove and that is a very unsafe method,” said Richmond Fire Chief Gerald Tatum.

Another dangerous, but commonly used method, is to plug in more than one device into an extension cord outlet.

“(The heating devices) are not made to be used on an extension cord,” Tatum said. “They are made to be plugged into a wall outlet. They pull a lot of current and when they do that over an extension cord, it may overheat.”

The most common types of home heat are electric and gas furnaces, Lewis said. The second most popular groups include wood stoves, space heaters and kerosene heaters.

“Space heaters are a good product, but they can be some of the biggest problems that we have,” he said.

Lewis recommended the heater be placed at least 3 feet away from walls, furniture and any other “combustible items.

“Some of the models (of electric space heaters) have anti-tipping devices that automatically shuts off the device if it is tipped over,” he said.

Kerosene heaters are classified as an open-flame heating unit and requires abundant ventilation if being used inside a closed area.

“If the area is not vented, you’re going to get a build-up of carbon monoxide,” Lewis said. “The best and most common kerosene used in these heating devices is 1K kerosene.”

Lewis said he wanted to express to the public that there is no job too small for the fire department.

“Sometimes, people have a little fire in their home, but we would much rather you call us.” Lewis said. “We may come out and realize that it’s nothing, but that’s better than your entire house being on fire one hour later. We want people to realize that they’re not bothering us if they call about a faint smoke smell.”

Tatum deemed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as the best source of defense, but only if they are being properly used and maintained.

“You need to check them every month and replace the battery every year,” Tatum said. “And, remember that the recommended life of a smoke detector is about 10 years.”

The Richmond Fire Department began late this past year distributing and installing free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in homes of buildings located within the city limits, but that service now has been extended to county residents as well.

A federal grant allowed the department to purchase the equipment and be able to install it for free.

To be on the fire department’s sign-up list for those who want the detectors, call the N. Madison Avenue station at 623-1164.

“We want to make sure that we’re catering to the needs of our community and the most at-risk groups in the community,” Lewis said. “Each Richmond Fire Department station offers free information pertaining to the safest ways to generate heat.”

Residents can stop by the main station at 200 N. Madison Ave., call the department or visit any of the Richmond Fire Department locations for advice and free literature.

Tips For Safe Heating:

• When buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory and is legal for use in your community. Some communities do not permit portable kerosene heaters.

• Install your stationary (fixed) space heater according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes or better yet, have it installed by a professional.

• Plug your electric-powered space heater into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.

• Use the proper grade of the proper fuel for your liquid-fueled space heater, and never use gasoline in any heater not approved for gasoline use. Refuel only in a well-ventilated area and when the equipment is cool.

• In your fireplace or wood stove, use only dry, seasoned wood to avoid the build-up of creosote, an oily deposit that easily catches fire and accounts for most chimney fires and the largest share of home heating fires. Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to start the fire. Do not use artificial logs in wood stoves.

• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing into a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from your home.

• Turn off space heaters whenever the room they are in is unoccupied or under circumstances when manufacturer’s instructions say they should be turned off. Portable space heaters are easy to knock over in the dark so they should be turned off when you go to bed, but make sure your primary heating equipment for the bedrooms is sufficient to avoid risks to residents from severe cold.

Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.

        

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