THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 3, 1995 TAG: 9512030055
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 142 lines
'Tis the season of crackling fireplaces, twinkling Christmas lights and warming wood stoves.
But as firefighters know all too well, winter can also be a dangerous time. The risk of house fires increases when the weather turns cold.
The increase in the number of house fires, said Supervisor Pete Grana of the Nags Head Fire Department, is attributed to the rise in the use of fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
Before lighting the first log of the winter, homeowners need to check the chimney.
``Chimneys need to be cleaned,'' Grana said. ``You need to make sure that there are no animal nests or anything to block the chimney. I've seen squirrel nests in chimneys before. They can really cause a problem.''
There are a number of professional chimney sweeps in northeast North Carolina, and Grana said there are also kits available at local outlets for do-it-yourselfers gutsy enough to go up on the roof.
When cleaning fireplaces, he said, be sure to store old ashes in metal containers away from any flammable materials. Ashes can also be stored in freshly dug holes, but make sure the hole is deep enough, and that the ashes are adequately covered.
Another possible hazard involves the use of space heaters. Grana said the increasing popularity of kerosene heaters brings unique problems.
``Always keep kerosene in a distinctive container away from the gasoline that you might use for your lawn mower,'' Grana said. ``If you put gasoline in the heater by mistake, there will be a disaster.''
The Christmas season presents a special set of considerations. A live Christmas tree in the house can pose a risk if it becomes too dry.
``A live tree needs plenty of water,'' Grana said. ``It's also important to keep the tree away from fireplaces and heating vents. That speeds up the drying process.''
If you choose an artificial tree, it is important to make sure it is flame-retardant, and has been approved by an independent laboratory.
Lights in trees can also be hazardous. Make sure there is no frayed wiring, that all lights are well-connected and that the bulbs are well-sealed.
Grana said that homeowners often try to connect too many plugs into a single outlet by using extension cords.
``You have to be careful not to overload a circuit,'' said Grana. ``But if you have an electrical fire, the best thing to do is turn off the breaker box, notify the fire department, and get out of the house.''
Smoke detectors can often be the difference between life and death. Grana said that batteries in the devices should be changed every six months. And smoke detectors should be tested weekly to make sure they work properly.
Grana also said that a new law on the books in North Carolina makes landlords responsible for smoke detectors in rental dwellings, unless the lease makes other provisions.
It is also important for families to plan an escape route from their house in the event of a blaze.
``It's always tragic when a family loses their home,'' Grana said. ``But homes and the things in them are just that - things. You can't put a value on your life, or the life of a loved one. That can't be replaced.''
'Tis the season of crackling fireplaces, twinkling Christmas lights and warming wood stoves.
But as firefighters know all too well, winter can also be a dangerous time. The risk of house fires increases when the weather turns cold.
The increase in the number of house fires, said Supervisor Pete Grana of the Nags Head Fire Department, is attributed to the rise in the use of fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
Before lighting the first log of the winter, homeowners need to check the chimney.
``Chimneys need to be cleaned,'' Grana said. ``You need to make sure that there are no animal nests or anything to block the chimney. I've seen squirrel nests in chimneys before. They can really cause a problem.''
There are a number of professional chimney sweeps in northeast North Carolina, and Grana said there are also kits available at local outlets for do-it-yourselfers gutsy enough to go up on the roof.
When cleaning fireplaces, he said, be sure to store old ashes in metal containers away from any flammable materials. Ashes can also be stored in freshly dug holes, but make sure the hole is deep enough, and that the ashes are adequately covered.
Another possible hazard involves the use of space heaters. Grana said the increasing popularity of kerosene heaters brings unique problems.
``Always keep kerosene in a distinctive container away from the gasoline that you might use for your lawn mower,'' Grana said. ``If you put gasoline in the heater by mistake, there will be a disaster.''
The Christmas season presents a special set of considerations. A live Christmas tree in the house can pose a risk if it becomes too dry.
``A live tree needs plenty of water,'' Grana said. ``It's also important to keep the tree away from fireplaces and heating vents. That speeds up the drying process.''
If you choose an artificial tree, it is important to make sure it is flame-retardant, and has been approved by an independent laboratory.
Lights in trees can also be hazardous. Make sure there is no frayed wiring, that all lights are well-connected and that the bulbs are well-sealed.
Grana said that homeowners
often try to connect too many plugs into a single outlet by using extension cords.
``You have to be careful not to overload a circuit,'' said Grana.
``But if you have an electrical fire, the best thing to do is turn off the breaker box, notify the fire department, and get out of the house.''
Smoke detectors can often be the difference between life and death. Grana said that batteries in the devices should be changed every six months.
And smoke detectors should be tested weekly to make sure they work properly.
Grana also said that a new law on the books in North Carolina makes landlords responsible for smoke detectors in rental dwellings, unless the lease makes other provisions.
It is also important for families to plan an escape route from their house in the event of a blaze.
``It's always tragic when a family loses their home,'' Grana said.
``But homes and the things in them are just that - things. You can't put a value on your life, or the life of a loved one. That can't be replaced.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
DREW C. WILSON/The Virginian-Pilot
Lin Ward of Southern Shores sweeps out a chimney in Kitty Hawk to
make sure it's free of blockages.
Graphic
HOLIDAY SAFETY
Here is a list of safety tips for the Christmas season:
Make sure your live Christmas tree is fresh. Shedding needles are
the sign of a dry tree.
Keep your tree fresh by keeping it in a stand that holds water.
Never smoke around the tree or flammable decorations.
Place trees away from a direct source of heat.
Never place a tree so that it blocks an exit.
Only buy lights approved by a national testing lab. Underwriters
Laboratories is an example.
Never decorate metal trees with electric lights.
Always unplug lights before going to bed.
Never run electrical cords through doorways or under rugs.
Keep candles in sturdy holders and keep them away from
combustible materials, like curtains.
Avoid hanging stockings near open flame.
Never burn paper in a fireplace. This is a major cause of chimney
fires.
Local fire departments are also available to do home safety
inspections. Call the department in your area for information.
by CNB