The Detroit Fire Department urges residents to exercise extreme caution when using alternative heating devices and candles and when displaying Christmas trees and decorations to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Detroit Fire Department does not recommend the use of kerosene or propane heaters and stoves, which emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas known as the “silent killer.”
Residents also are encouraged to install a battery-operated CO detector to protect their families from carbon monoxide poisoning and place smoke detectors on each level of the home, especially outside of sleeping areas.
However, residents, who insist on using alternative heating devices, should observe safety precautions.
Kerosene Heaters
- Use only fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
- Fill the heater outdoors and do not overfill.
- Properly ventilate the room where the heater is located.
- Operate the kerosene heater on a drip pan to contain any spills.
Electric Space Heaters
- Use only electric heaters equipped with an auto shut-off and trip-over switch, or a thermostat-controlled model.
Any Alternative Heating Device
- Purchase only UL-approved heaters.
- Read all operating instructions carefully.
- Do not leave the heater unattended or operate while sleeping.
- Do not operate heaters near clothes, furniture, other combustible materials or flammable liquids.
- Have at least one multi-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
- Do not leave children alone with heaters or operate heaters in children’s sleeping areas.
CHRISTMAS FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The Fire Department also reminds residents of potential fire hazards when displaying Christmas trees and decorations, and using candles.
Christmas Trees
If you choose to buy a natural tree, look for a fresh tree. Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire than older trees. When purchasing a fresh tree, please do the following:
- Make a 1” cut at base of tree.
- Check tree for dryness. Needles of a fresh tree will bend as opposed to breaking in half.
- Place tree firmly in a stand with plenty of room for water.
- Check water level daily and add if needed.
- Keep tree at least three feet away from any space heaters or other heat sources.
- Check electrical cords for wear and outlets for overloading.
- Never leave a lighted tree unattended.
- Don’t let tree block exits or stairs.
- Never use lights or electrical products to decorate a metal or aluminum tree.
Decorative Lights
When using lights on a tree, be sure to:
- Inspect for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets.
- Don’t use more than three strings of lights on one extension cord.
- Never run cords under carpet.
- Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Only use UL-approved (Underwriter’s Laboratory) lights and cords.
Candles
If you are using candles, remember to:
- Keep burning candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Teach children not to touch burning candles.
- Don’t place candles near furniture, draperies, clothes or combustible items
- If you leave the room or the home, extinguish all flames.
- Place candles in sturdy, non-combustible holders.
General Fire Safety Tips:
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Douse smoking materials in large deep ashtrays.
- Replace frayed electrical cords.
- Never overload circuits or utilize more than one appliance in an electrical outlet.
- Never sleep with an electric blanket on.
- Get an annual furnace inspection.
- Never store combustibles near furnace or hot water heater.
- Annually clean chimney and use fireproof glass doors for fireplaces.
- Do not use the oven or stove as a supplemental heat source.
- Never leave an oil burner or candle lit when you go to bed or leave the home.
- Never leave children alone in the kitchen while cooking.
- When cooking, use pots and pans that have lids. This will aid in smoldering fires.
- If fire occurs, place lid on pot or pan then turn off burner.
- Never use a generator inside a home or garage.
- Install smoke alarms on each level of the home and outside of sleeping areas. Change the battery twice a year.
- Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector.
- Plan and practice an escape route.
For more information about fire safety, call the Detroit Fire Department Fire Marshal Division at (313) 596-2968.