FASNY Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips

ALBANY — The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York offers advice for staying safe now that cold weather has settled in.

While useful for keeping a home warm, fireplaces and space heaters must be properly and safely utilized to reduce fire danger, the group said in a press release.

Also, it is critical for New Yorkers to double-check their smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors to minimize risks.

DANGEROUS TIME

National Fire Prevention Association statistics show there is a higher risk of dying from a fire during winter, with December through February ranked as the deadliest months.

“The numbers don’t lie: there are more fires and fire deaths during the winter, many of which can be avoided,” Association President Robert McConville said in a statement.

“Stay warm, and stay safe.”

FASNY offers the following safety tips when using:

PORTABLE SPACE HEATERS

  • Never leave a portable space heater in a room unattended. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and maintenance.
  • Use space heaters for a limited time each day.
  • Never connect a space heater to an outlet with an extension cord.
  • Unplug the unit when not in use. Let it cool down before storing.
  • 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.

FIREPLACES

  • Make sure the flue is open before using a fireplace for the first time this season.
  • Remove all obstructions from your chimney, as they will cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home.
  • Never leave a fireplace unattended.
  • Chimneys and vents should be inspected and cleaned annually.
  • Take care when stoking a fire. Do not burn newspapers or trash in a fireplace. Doing so may ignite a chimney fire or send flaming embers into your home, causing fire.

GAS, ELECTRIC FURNACES

  • If smoke emanating from the furnace turns black and the furnace starts to rumble, leave the building immediately and call your local fire department.
  • All heating units should be tuned up by a professional, certified technician.
  • Regular inspections and cleanings of your heating system help to ensure maximum efficiency during the winter months.

COAL-, 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.

SMOKE, CARBON-MONOXIDE DETECTORS

  • Test your home smoke alarms at least once per month by pressing the “test” button on the unit.
  • If your detectors are battery operated, check the batteries often to make sure the units are operational.
  • If you do not have one already, install a carbon-monoxide detector to detect production of potentially lethal carbon monoxide by gas fireplaces, gas stoves, barbecues or gas furnaces.
  • Use Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to change your smoke and carbon-monoxide detector batteries twice a year.