MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady; Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
Colder temperatures are in
our forecast and this cold spell will usher in the cold winter weather of December, January
and February. The Prince George’s County
Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department (PGFD) is reminding
everyone that home fires are more prevalent in cold weather than in any other
time of the year. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating
fires. This reminder involves the safe use of space heaters and general
heating safety tips.
Stay Safe
The
civilian, volunteer and paid men and women of the Fire/EMS Department want to
remind everyone that fire safety and prevention are especially important during
times of cold temperatures.
“Temperatures
drop and fires increase,” said Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc S.
Bashoor. According to National Fire Protection Assoction (NFPA)
statistics space heaters account for about one third of the home heating fires
yet more than 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths. The Winter Residential Building Fires report
released by United States Fire Administration (USFA), reports an estimated
108,400 winter residential building fires occur annually in the United States,
resulting in an estimated average of 945 deaths, 3,825 injuries, and $1.7
billion in property loss. Cooking and heating are the top causes of fires
during cold weather.
“Colder
temperatures during the Fall and Winter Season brings the highest number of
home fires than any other time of year,” said Fire Chief Bashoor. “Each season,
home fires increase in part due to cooking and heating fires. Fire safety
and injury prevention must not be lost in an effort to stay warm. Stay warm and
do so safely. Safety First ensures everyone goes home.”
The Prince George's County
Fire/EMS Department recommend the following safety tips for space heaters.
Space Heaters
·
Buy only heaters
evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters
Laboratories (UL).
·
Check to make sure
it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the
heater falls over or if placed too close to an object.
·
Heaters are not
dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your
heater.
·
Space heaters need
space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.
·
Always unplug your electric
space heater when not in use.
·
Turn off at night or
whenever you sleep.
·
Never use an
extension cord with space heaters - plug directly into wall socket.
Kerosene space heater
·
Never refuel
indoors.
·
Remove the kerosene
heater outdoors, turn off and wait for it to cool down before refueling and
only use the correct type of fuel.
General Heating Tips
• Furnaces, fireplaces and chimneys should be cleaned and
checked each year by an appropriate professional prior to using. Clear
away any clutter from these heating devices, at least 3 feet away.
• Only use seasoned wood in fireplaces, never use ignitable
liquids to start a fire and do not overload your appliance.
• The 3-foot rule also applies to furnaces and fireplaces. No
combustibles items within 3 feet of these heating appliances.
• Dispose of fireplace ash into a metal container and store
outdoors away from structures on a concrete surface. Fireplace ash
can ignite a fire days after they have been discarded.
Finally, ensure your smoke
and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working by pushing the test button on the
front cover. Your alarms should be tested monthly on the first day of
every month - Safety First Day of the Month. If you do not hear an audible
warning, replace your alarm with a new 10-year, tamper proof, with hush feature
alarm. Having a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, in
hallways just outside of sleeping areas and in every bedroom in addition to a
exit drill in the home plan and practiced dramatically increases your chances
of surviving a burning home.
Remember to sleep with your bedroom door closed.
A working CO detector will
protect you and your family from deadly "silent killer" fumes that
may be building up in your home. Remember to practice a home escape plan
frequently with your family.
Residents are encouraged to
utilize Prince George’s County’s County 311 system to obtain information about
public services and obtaining a smoke alarm installed in your home.
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