Prepare for bad weather
Jack Taylor
Monday, December 10, 2007
In keeping with our mission to protect the lives of our citizens, the Emporia Fire Department offers the following safety message with regard to the predicted ice storm.
The ice storm predicted to come tonight and Tuesday may produce as much as two inches of ice. That amount of ice can be expected to cause power outages, tree damage and treacherous driving conditions. Following a few simple tips can save a significant amount of personal suffering and property loss.
First, driving on ice is very dangerous. If you don't have a real need to be out driving, we would encourage you to stay inside where it is warm and safe.
Of all fire deaths, 82 percent occur in the home and fire caused by heating is the second leading cause of residential fires. Heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,200 U.S, home structure fires with associated losses of 670 civilian deaths, 1,1550 civilian injuries and $909 million in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association and the United States Fire Administration. Heating fires are also particularly preventable in nature. The following tips are provided by the NFPA, USFA and the Emporia Fire Department in the event that alternative heating devices are considered to heat your homes.
1. Having a working smoke detector reduces one's chance of dying in a fire in half. Be sure that your smoke detectors are properly placed and functioning. Replace batteries as necessary.
2. Make sure supply and return vents, radiators and baseboard heating units are not obstructed by furniture, appliances or other objects and that air can flow freely to and from them. Change filters in your heating devices as necessary.
3. Any device that burns wood, liquid or gas fuels produces carbon monoxide as a by product of combustion. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, therefore you will be unaware of its presence and, in the proper amounts, it is an extreme life hazard. All fuel burning appliances, permanent or portable, must be properly vented to the outside. It is also recommended that carbon monoxide detectors are placed in the home.
4. Allow any fuel burning heater to cool before refueling and only refuel outdoors with the recommended fuel.
5. Space heaters need space. Keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.
6. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy duty cord that will carry the appropriate energy to the device and turn off the device if you are leaving it unattended.
7. Make sure the space heater is UL approved and has a control feature that automatically shuts off the device if it tips over.
8. Follow all manufacturers installation and maintenance instructions.
9. Do not use your oven to heat your home.
10. Keep the fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.
11. Clean your chimney regularly and dispose of ashes properly.
12. Use only seasoned wood in the fireplace or other wood burning stoves.
Finally, if you have any questions, please call us at 343-4230. Your safety is our mission.