We are getting ready to start having some cold weather, so here are some things you need to keep in mind.

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood-burning stoves is growing, and space heaters are selling rapidly or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. You can prevent the loss of life and property resulting from heating fires by being able to identify potential hazards.

Check your hotspots

Each year fire claims the lives of 3,500 Americans, injures 18,300 and causes billions of dollars worth of damage. People living in rural areas are more than twice as likely to die in a fire than those living in mid-sized cities or suburban areas. The misuse of wood stoves, portable space heaters and kerosene heaters are especially common risks in rural areas.

The United States Fire Administration believes rural fire problems can be reduced by teaching people to recognize the hazards. By following some of the outlined precautionary steps, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a fire casualty.

Wood stoves

Wood stoves cause more than 4,000 residential fires every year. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks, and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs or trash. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually, and check monthly for damage or obstructions. Be sure to keep combustible objects at least three feet away from your wood stove.

Electric space heaters

Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. 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 heaters.

Kerosene heaters

Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, and check with your local fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use in your community. Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. Never overfill any portable heater. Use the kerosene heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned out frequently, and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

Carbon monoxide

Each year in America, carbon monoxide poisoning claims approximately 400 lives and sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. USFA would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 400 lives and sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

The United States Fire Administration and the National Association of Home Builders would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

Understanding the risk

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

What actions do I yake if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.

If no one is feeling ill:

• Silence the alarm.

• Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).

• Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.

• Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.

If illness is a factor:

• Evacuate all occupants immediately.

• Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.

• Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.

• Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.

• Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.

Protect yourself and your family from CO poisoning

Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Make sure the alarm has been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.

Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

Never use your range or oven to help heat your home, and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.

Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.

When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

Some upcoming events the fire department is organizing –

Oct. 29 – The Second Annual Guns and Hoses Football game. It will be at 1 p.m. at Riverside. We are kicking off our Toys for Tots drive. Please bring an unwrapped toy or canned good to get in free. Last year the sheriff’s department won, so this year we have been practicing hard to get the bragging rights back.

Michael Heath is president of the St. John Professional Firefighters Association.