Barbecues,
Coal
and Wood Stoves, Fireplaces,
Furnaces,
Smoke
and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Space
Heaters, Facts and
Figures, Safety
Tips
Barbecues
Barbecues should never be used
indoors or as a heating device. Barbecues produce large amounts of carbon
monoxide.
Coal and Wood Burning Stoves
Use coal only if specifically approved by the stove
manufacturer. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be used to
start a wood fire since it might explode or flare up. Never use gasoline
in kerosene heaters. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be
used to start a wood fire since it might explode or flare up. The
directions on artificial logs made from wax and sawdust say they should be
used one at a time in fireplaces and never used in wood stoves. This is
because the heat can melt the log causing it to flare up or leak burning
liquid from the appliance. Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in
stoves or fireplaces because it contains toxic chemicals that can make you
sick.
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Fireplaces
Before using the fireplace for the
first time in a season, make sure the flue is open. The flue is a trap
door that keeps heat out in the summer and cool air from coming in when
the fireplace is not in use. You can check it by looking up the chimney to
see if you are able to see daylight. If there are any obstructions, remove
them. If not removed, these obstructions will cause carbon monoxide to
back up into your home. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless and
invisible gas. Artificial logs made from wax and sawdust should be used
one at a time. Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in stoves or
fireplaces because it contains toxic chemicals that can make you sick.
Never leave a fireplace unattended. Chimneys and vents should be inspected
and cleaned annually. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned when necessary
by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of
wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Creosote builds up in connectors and
chimney flues and can cause a chimney fire. Don't burn newspapers or other
trash in a fireplace because they burn too hot and can ignite a chimney
fire.
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Gas or Electric
Furnaces
Gas or electric furnaces that have not been used for
several months will most likely have a build-up of dust and dirt on
heating elements. This can cause a burning smell and even a light haze of
white smoke when first operated for the season. This smell and haze are
not harmful, and will take only several uses before all the dust and dirt
on the heating unit are burnt away. To be safe, try to run the furnace on
a warm day while opening all windows so the smell can escape. If the smoke
turns black and the furnace starts to rumble leave the building
immediately and call the fire department by dialing 911.
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Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide
Detectors
Test your home smoke alarms at least once per week.
Do this by pressing the test button on the unit. Some newer models also
feature the ability to test the unit with a flashlight as well. If you are
unsure as to whether your unit has this feature, check your operations
manual or consult the manufacturer.
If you do not have one already installed, install a carbon monoxide
detector. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas, which
is absorbed by the human body 200 times faster than oxygen. Carbon
monoxide will cause people to fall into a deep sleep and cause death. Gas
fireplaces, gas stoves, barbecues, gas furnaces, automobiles, propane
appliances and any other device that produces a flame will produce carbon
monoxide.
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Space
Heaters
Residents that utilize wall space heaters or other
heating device should remember to pull all furniture and other combustible
items at least three feet away from any heating devices Space heaters are
temporary heating devices and should only be used for a limited time each
day and should never be connected to an outlet with an extension cord.
When not in use, be sure to unplug the unit and let it cool down if you
will be storing the unit. Keep a window ajar or the door open in a room
where an unvented heater is in use. Never use heaters to dry clothing or
other combustibles. Electric heaters with frayed or damaged cords should
never be used. Young children should be kept away from any appliance that
has hot surfaces that can cause burns. Kerosene heaters should be cleaned
and wicks replaced annually.
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Facts & Figures*
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General Safety Tips:
- Space heaters need space. Portable space heaters need a three-foot
(one meter) clearance from anything that can burn and should always be
turned off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- When buying a new unit, make sure it carries the mark of an
independent testing lab. Be sure that a qualified technician installs
the unit or checks that the unit has been installed properly.
- Wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors, and
all other solid-fueled heating equipment need to be inspected annually
by a professional and cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.
- Portable kerosene heaters must be fueled only in a well-ventilated
area, free of flame and other heat sources, and only when the device has
cooled completely. Use only the type of kerosene specified by the
manufacturer for that device, and never use gasoline instead of
kerosene. Also, be sure that portable kerosene heaters are legal for
home use in your state.
- When turning a heating device on or off, be careful to follow the
manufacturer's instructions. When buying heaters, look for devices with
automatic shutoff features.
- Be sure any gas-fueled heating device is installed with proper
attention to ventilation, and never put unvented gas space heaters in
bedrooms or bathrooms. Also, LP (liquefied petroleum) gas heaters with
self-contained fuel supplies are prohibited for home use by NFPA
codes.
