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Fire prevention key in extreme cold conditions

Photo by Scott McCloskey Wheeling Fire Department Capt. Deric Jamison stresses the importance of fire safety and prevention during extremely cold weather.

WHEELING — As extremely cold temperatures move into the Upper Ohio Valley over the next few days fire safety is something everyone needs to keep in mind, according to local and national fire safety officials.

Whether it’s using a space heater or a fireplace to help heat a home or business or keeping waterlines from bursting, there are many precautions to consider as temperatures become dangerously cold.

Prevention is the key when it comes to fire safety, according to Wheeling Fire Department Captain Deric Jamison.

“Prevention is always your first step. … Smoke detectors are more important than ever — and make sure they work,” Jamison said. “They are the first line of defense to save your life.”

In addition, if your are using a kerosene heater or any type of fuel-fired heating appliance, there should be a carbon monoxide detector in your home as well. Jamison said one should never heat a home by using an oven or stovetop.

“Use the appliance for what it is intended for. … The stove and the oven are for cooking, and that’s what they should be used for — not for heating your house,” he said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for home heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, figuring into two of every five fires. More than half (53 percent) of all home heating fire deaths resulted from fires that began when heating equipment that was too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding.

Space heaters — electric or kerosene — should be placed a minimum of 3 feet away from anything that can burn, according to the NFPA. They must be turned off when unattended and need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip.

If residents resort to using a fireplace for additional heat during extreme cold, Jamison said it is important that the fireplace and chimney have been inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional before use.

“Lack of maintenance is what causes (chimney) fires,” he noted.

He also said it is important to burn “natural fire wood” in an open fireplace and to make sure a screen is used to catch any sparks or burning wood embers. He said people should never burn garbage, papers or any sort of processed wood in a fireplace or wood burner.

Jamison added that a waterline break can also cause a fire in a home if the water comes in contact with electrical lines. Prevention is once again the key, according to Jamison. He said it is important to keep water pipe temperatures at least 40 degrees or warmer. He said when it gets this bitterly cold, it is a good idea to let the water faucet drip slightly to avoid it freezing up inside the line. Another safety precaution is to wrap waterlines with some sort of insulated tape. Jamison said if a “heat tape” is used, the resident should make sure it is from an “independently tested” laboratory manufacturer.

“If you do run into a frozen line, never use an open flame to thaw it. Don’t use a torch, don’t use a lighter,” Jamison said.

He noted that the Wheeling Fire Department has responded to local blazes that resulted when someone tried to thaw a waterline with an open flame and ended up causing a structure fire.

“Be patient — use a hair dryer,” Jamison advised.

He said while it takes a little longer, using a hair dryer is a safe and effective way to eventually thaw an indoor pipe.

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