Wednesday, November 20, 2002
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Wednesday, November 20, 2002 |
Cooler weather means more home firesAs winter approaches, cooler weather means an increased risk of residential fires. Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine urges you to make your home safer by paying special attention to potential fire hazards such as heating and cooking equipment. "Each year we see an increase in the rate of fire deaths in Georgia during the cold weather months," Oxendine said. "And typically 80 percent of these fire deaths occur at home." Oxendine offers these home fire safety tips: Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires in Georgia. Portable space heaters, open fireplaces and wood stoves can be dangerous if misused. Keep them away from curtains, draperies, and other flammable material. Make sure heaters have adequate ventilation, and always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions. If you use kerosene space heaters, make sure that each heater has an automatic shut-off in case it tips over. Use only K-1 kerosene in a space heater; gasoline can cause an explosion. Smoking is a major cause of house fires. Never smoke in bed, and keep matches and lighters away from children. Install an adequate number of smoke detectors. Most fatal fires start between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., while the family is asleep. The advance warning of a smoke detector may mean the difference between life and death. Nine out of ten fire victims are already dead before the fire department is even called, mainly from smoke and toxic gases. If you already have smoke detectors, don't forget to replace the batteries semi-annually, when you change your clocks. Each household should have a well-rehearsed family escape plan. All rooms, especially bedrooms, should have two escape routes. Have a predetermined meeting place outside the house so you can be sure everyone is out safely. And remember, never re-enter a burning house for any reason. Have a fire extinguisher readily available. Precautions such as these can help homeowners protect their property and the lives of their families.
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