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Winter Fire Safety Tips

 

 

 

Wood stoves and fireplaces

  • Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance – at least 36 inches – from combustible surfaces, and have proper floor support and protection.

  • Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.

  • Have a chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used in some time.

  • Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in a fireplace or wood stove.

  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from escaping and to prevent unwanted material from going into the fireplace, and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.

  • A wood-burning stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.

  • Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. Overbuilding the fire could ignite creosote in the chimney.

  • Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.

  • Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials.

  • Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper can help rekindle the fire, forcing toxic carbon monoxide into the house.

  • If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. Never break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire, and never use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

 

Furnace heating

  • It’s important that you have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that it is in good and proper working condition.

  • Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.

  • Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself.

  • Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well-supported, free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams can indicate a leak.

  • Is the chimney solid, with cracks or loose bricks? All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.

  • Keep storage and other combustibles away from the heating system.

 

 

Other fire safety tips

  • Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.

  • Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. It is a safely hazard and can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.

  • If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Use only extension cords that have the necessary rating to carry the amp load. Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.

  • If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event of a fire. Be sure that all the windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.

  • If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of obstacles so it can be easily located. We ask a three foot area around the hydrant be kept clear.

  • Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis.

  • Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.

 

 

Contact the Simsbury Fire District Office of the Fire Marshal 860-658-1971 for advice or if you have a question on Home Fire Safety.