“Winter Hazard Awareness Week” is Nov. 3-7. As part of a campaign for winter safety, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, compiled simple safety tips for work, play, home and travel. For the next several weeks, the Tri-County News will feature selections from the compiled list of facts and tips. This week’s column focuses on winter fire safety. Facts about winter fire safety o In 2002, cooking was the number one cause of fires. Heating fires were second and arson came in third. o In 2002, more than $3.5 million in residential property damage in Minnesota was caused by heating fires. o Careless smoking caused 15 civilian deaths in Minnesota in 2001. Watch what you heat o Safety around heating equipment and appliances is an important first step in reducing the number of fires that occur annually. Keep children and loose clothing at a safe distance. o Use a yardstick to measure the distance between flammables and your home heating equipment. If you don’t have at least three feet of clearance, you are at risk. o Always turn off portable heating appliances when leaving home or retiring for the evening. Be sure the fire in the fireplace is out before going to bed. o Have chimneys, fireplaces and other heating devices inspected by a qualified professional at the start of every heating season. o Use a sturdy screen or glass closure in front of your fireplace, and burn only clean fireplace wood. Never burn treated lumber. o Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and test them monthly. o If you smell gas in your home, contact your local utility company or qualified professional heating contractor immediately, and follow their advice. o Install a residential fire sprinkler system in your home. o Inspect heat tape before using. Never thaw frozen pipes with an open flame.
