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Even though winter’s almost gone, county emergency services official reminds homeowners to not let up on house fire safety

Posted 3/12/11

By MAUREEN PICHÉ A county emergency services official reminds residents that winter is the most common time of year for house fires, but a few simple precautions will go a long way toward preventing …

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Even though winter’s almost gone, county emergency services official reminds homeowners to not let up on house fire safety

Posted

By MAUREEN PICHÉ

A county emergency services official reminds residents that winter is the most common time of year for house fires, but a few simple precautions will go a long way toward preventing them during the weeks to come.

Martin J. Hassett, director of St. Lawrence County Emergency Services, says home heating devices are the most common causes of house fires, mostly because of incorrect installation or operator error.

“Traditionally fires happen in colder weather because heating appliances are stressed,” Hassett said.

Last year, he said the county lost eight people in house fires, while this year, two have been killed.

Hassett said to make sure all stoves are installed properly, stove logs are seasoned and stovepipes are clear. Those with fireplaces should have chimneys inspected for damage or soot buildup.

“And always have smoke detectors in the home,” he stressed. “Check them for batteries. A ton of people take the batteries out because they burned something in the kitchen, but then don’t put them back in.”

He said to check with the community fire departments, because most will provide free or reduced-price smoke detectors to those who need one.

Check to make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in a handy location, too, he said.

It’s also important, especially for families with small children, to create and rehearse a plan in the event of a fire that includes escape routes and a family meeting place.

Hassett said fire isn’t the only winter danger in the home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also very deadly.

“That’s the silent killer,” he said. “You can’t see it and you can’t smell it.”

Carbon monoxide detectors are very important, he added, because a sleeping person may never realize a leak is happening. They’re especially necessary in homes that use propane heaters.

The state Office of Fire Prevention and Control issued a warning in December informing people that high snow levels increase the risk of carbon monoxide hazards.

High snow drifts may be blocking furnace vents and air intakes in some homes, particularly those that have newer high-efficiency furnaces.

These furnaces vent out the side of a house rather than up through the roof, the office reported.

This type of venting and air intake must be kept free and clear of snow. If it plugs up, the carbon monoxide would go back into the home, they cautioned.

Hassett said, when in doubt about anything to do with home fire or carbon monoxide safety, contact your local fire department for assistance.