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Fire can strike anywhere in the house at any time without warning; knowing how to respond can save lives. While many fires can be contained in their early stages, flames can quickly spread out of control. The ability to control a fire can be important; evacuating at the right time, however, is crucial. Prepare a fire escape plan and conduct fire drills with your family. If any escape route calls for a fire ladder, have each family member practice using it. Have only one person climb down the fire ladder at a time; then, have him hold the bottom of it steady for the next person. To carry a small child, have him wrap his arms and legs securely around you, then climb down the fire ladder face to face with him. Place an infant in an infant carrier and climb down the fire ladder the same way. Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against a fire, providing valuable time for you to control it or evacuate; about 75 percent of household fires start off as slow and smoldering ones. Install smoke detectors judiciously throughout your home (58); regularly test and service them. Install fire extinguishers (55) in strategic areas throughout the house (58); practice using a fire extinguisher outdoors on a calm day, protecting the ground from any residue with plastic sheeting or old bed linens. Caution: If a fire is not small and contained or you doubt your ability to use a fire extinguisher, evacuate the house immediately and call the fire department from the home of a neighbor. Keep in mind that a typical household fire extinguisher holds a pressurized cargo of 2 1/2 to 7 pounds that lasts for only 8 to 20 seconds. Always have the fire department check the house after any fire-even if you have already extinguished it. The Troubleshooting Guide places emergency procedures at your fingertips, listing quick-action steps to take; read the instructions before you need them. Familiarize yourself with the procedure for putting out a small cooking fire (60), electrical fire, chemical fire and upholstery fire. If a person's clothing catches on fire, smother the flames, wrestling the victim to the ground and rolling him over on it, if necessary. Refer to the list of Safety Tips for guidelines in preventing a household fire emergency. Post the telephone numbers for your local fire department, hospital emergency room, ambulance service and physician near the telephone and don’t hesitate to call for help; even in non-emergency situations, qualified professionals can answer questions concerning the safety and protection of your home. If you are ever in doubt about the fire safety and protection of your home, have it checked as soon as possible by the fire department, a local or federal building authority, or a certified home inspector. In most areas, dial 911 in the event of any life-threatening emergency. ==== SAFETY TIPS 1. Prepare a fire evacuation plan (63), mapping a primary and secondary escape route from each room of the house. Post the plan at strategic locations throughout the house; in the event of a fire emergency, you will want anyone to be able to find and use it. 2. Install smoke detectors judiciously throughout your home (58). Keep at least one fire extinguisher rated ABC (55) on hand and know how to use it (59). 3. Conduct fire drills with your family; every member should know how to evacuate from each room of the house in the event of a fire. 4. Keep your escape routes clear and unobstructed at all times. Keep your basement, garage, utility room and attic free of accumulated clutter. 5. Store paint thinners, solvents and other flammable chemicals in airtight containers away from sources of heat; don’t store gasoline near-other flammables. Hang rags soaked in flammable chemicals outdoors or store them in airtight metal or glass containers. 6. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Make sure smoking materials are completely extinguished before discarding them. Never smoke in bed or if you feel drowsy. 7. Follow all precautions for the safe use of each system in your home that is a potential fire hazard: electricity (78); gas (90); heating and cooling (108). 8. Use only electrical units that bear a recognized seal of approval; look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) stamp. 9. Don’t use a light bulb of a wattage higher than stamped on the fixture; avoid using high-wattage bulbs in closets. 10. Maintain your fireplace and use it safely (65); have the chimney flue professionally cleaned at least once a year. 11. Place any portable space heater at least 3 feet away from curtains and other flammables, and away from other sources of heat-including fireplaces, radiators, appliances and entertainment units. 12. Don’t wear loose clothing when cooking. Keep curtains, towels and other flammables away from the range and other kitchen appliances that supply heat. Keep the handles of pots on the stove turned inward and don’t leave cooking oil, fat or grease unattended on a hot burner. Regularly clean your range and any hood fan. 13. Never thaw a frozen water pipe with a propane torch; the pipe can conduct heat and ignite the wall or ceiling. 14. Keep fire hydrants near your home free of snow and other obstructions. Have your house number displayed prominently and light it at night. 15. Purchase nightclothes, mattresses, linens and draperies of fabrics that meet current safety standards for inflammability. 16. If you keep a natural evergreen tree indoors at Christmas time, give it plenty of water; it may soak up more than 1 gallon of water each day. ==== 55--- Class BC fire extinguisher ---Carbon-dioxide or other chemical- compound extinguisher effective only against small, contained fire in flammable liquid or electrical unit; cannot be used to extinguish class A fire. Carbon-dioxide extinguisher equipped with horn to protect skin from cold temperature of discharge. Check pressure gauge monthly; after any discharge or loss of pressure, have extinguisher recharged professionally or purchase replacement. Portable fire ladder--- Made of metal tubing and chain links, and available in lengths of 15 or 25 feet; fits inside small box for convenient storage near window. Standoffs hold ladder away from exterior wall. Photoelectric smoke detector--- Photoelectric cell "sees" smoke molecules; responds well to smoldering cooking, appliance or upholstery fire and not prone to false alarms. Some detectors have built-in light to illuminate escape route when detector sounds. Test batteries once each week and clean detector regularly (59). Class ABC fire extinguisher--- Multi-purpose dry-chemical extinguisher effective against any small, contained fire. Check pressure gauge monthly; after any discharge or loss of pressure, have extinguisher recharged professionally or purchase replacement. Class A fire extinguisher--- Water or chemical extinguisher effective only against small, contained fire in ordinary combustibles-including wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics; cannot be used to extinguish class B or C fire. Check pressure gauge monthly; after any discharge or loss of pressure, have extinguisher recharged professionally or purchase replacement. Alarm Ionization smoke detector ---Senses atomic particles; responds quickly to hot fires with little smoke, but tends to set off false alarms in presence of normal cooking fumes. Some detectors have built-in light to illuminate escape route when detector sounds. Test batteries once each week and clean detector regularly (59). === TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE SYMPTOM [House on fire or filling with smoke Room on fire or filling with smoke Chimney on fire: loud, from chimney; smoke roaring noise entering room from chimney Clothing on fire Cooking fire: flames from pan or pot Cooking fire: flames from stove Cooking fire: flames from range Electrical fire: flames or smoke from outlet, switch or fixture Electrical tire: flames or smoke from appliance, entertainment unit, power tool, extension cord or other electrical unit Sparks or burning odor from outlet, switch, fixture, appliance, entertainment unit, power tool or other electrical unit Chemical fire: flames or smoke from paint, solvent or other chemical Upholstery fire: flames or smoke from chair, sofa or mattress Garbage fire: flames or smoke from garbage can or pail Smoke detectors missing or not installed judiciously Smoke detector emits chirping sound Smoke detector sets off false alarms Fire extinguishers missing or not installed judiciously Fire extinguisher gauge shows pressure loss Fire extinguisher nozzle blocked Fire extinguisher corroded or damaged. ] PROCEDURE [Evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route Call fire department from home of neighbor After fire extinguished, re-enter house safely and clean up (132) Have someone call fire department immediately Control fire using ABC fire extinguisher (59) If fire not small and contained or if flames or smoke come from wall or ceiling, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route Call fire department from home of neighbor After fire extinguished, re-enter house safely and clean up (132) Have fireplace inspected and repaired Use fireplace safely (65) Rescue victim on fire (62) Have someone call for medical help immediately; treat burn victim (36) Monitor victim's vital life signs (16) Control cooking fire by smothering flames (60) If fire not small and contained, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have someone call fire department immediately Control cooking fire using baking soda (60) If fire not small and contained, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Have someone call fire department immediately Control cooking fire using ABC or BC fire extinguisher (60) If fire not small and contained, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Have someone call fire department immediately Control electrical fire using ABC or BC fire extinguisher (61) If fire not small and contained or if flames or smoke come from wall or ceiling, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Have electrical system inspected and repaired Use electricity safely (78) Have someone call fire department immediately; Immediately shut oft electricity to system (82) Control electrical fire using ABC or BC fire extinguisher. If fire not small and contained or if flames or smoke come from wall or ceiling, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Have electrical unit and electrical system inspected and repaired Use electricity safely (78) Don’t touch electrical unit. Immediately shut oft electricity to circuit (83) or system (82) If electricity to circuit or system cannot be shut off immediately, unplug or switch off source (87) If flames or smoke come from electrical unit, have someone call fire department immediately Control electrical fire using ABC or BC tire extinguisher (61) If fire not small and contained or if flames or smoke come from wall or ceiling, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Have electrical unit and electrical system inspected and repaired Use electricity safely (78) Have someone call fire department immediately. . . Control chemical fire using ABC or BC fire extinguisher (61) If fire not small and contained, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Have someone call fire department immediately. . Control upholstery fire using ABC or A fire extinguisher (62) If fire not small and contained, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Have someone call fire department immediately Control garbage fire using ABC or A fire extinguisher (59) or water from garden hose If fire not small and contained, evacuate house immediately using primary (63) or secondary (64) escape route and call fire department from home of neighbor Have fire department check house-even if fire out Clean up (132) Install smoke detectors judiciously throughout house (58) Replace batteries (59) Relocate smoke detector (58) Install fire extinguishers judiciously throughout house (58) Replace fire extinguisher or have it recharged professionally Clear fire extinguisher nozzle using wire Replace fire extinguisher ] 58--- INSTALLING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER Mounting a fire extinguisher. Install a fire extinguisher (55) in each potentially hazardous location of the house: the kitchen, the garage, the utility room and the basement, For example. Mount each fire extinguisher at a stud about 5 feet above the floor near a doorway. If necessary, locate the stud by tapping along the wall and listening for a change from a hollow to a solid sound; or, use a stud finder or a density sensor. Position the bracket of the fire extinguisher on the wall at the stud and mark the screw holes using a pencil. Bore a pilot hole for each screw using a drill fitted with a bit of a diameter slightly smaller than the screw; mark the screw length on the bit by wrapping masking tape around it. Reposition the bracket on the wall and drive in each screw with a screwdriver . Fit the handle of the fire extinguisher on the collar of the bracket , then wrap the strap around the canister and fasten the clip. INSTALLING A SMOKE DETECTOR 1. Marking holes for the anchors and screws, Install at least one battery-operated smoke detector (55) on the ceiling or at the top of a wall of each story in the house: in the hallway near the bedrooms, in the kitchen and living room, and at the top of the stairs, For example. Hold the base of the smoke detector in one hand and open the cover by releasing its locking clip, gently pulling the tab or at the arrow marked on it. With the cover of the smoke detector open, position the base on the ceiling or wall and use a pencil to mark the holes for anchors and screws . 2. Mounting the smoke detector. Wearing safety goggles, bore a hole for each anchor using a drill fitted with a bit of the same diameter (inset); mark the anchor length on the bit by wrapping masking tape around it. Use a hammer to tap each anchor into place until it’s flush with the surface. Drive a screw into each anchor with a screwdriver until its head protrudes about 1/8 inch. Position the base of the smoke detector on the screws and turn it to lock it in place, then tighten the screws . Install a battery and close the cover of the smoke detector. Test the smoke detector (59). SERVICING A SMOKE DETECTOR 59a--- Testing and replacing batteries. Test each smoke detector once week. Press the test button (inset) or buy a can of smoke-detector tester aerosol at a hardware store and spray it toward the vents, Replace the battery if the smoke detector does not sound when it’s tested-or if it emits a chirping sound, indicating the battery is wearing down. Open the cover of the smoke detector, gently pulling the tab or at the arrow marked on it. Remove the battery and install an exact duplicate , making sure its terminals contact properly; the smoke detector may sound for 1 or 2 seconds, indicating it works. Close the cover of the smoke detector and test it again. Cleaning off a smoke detector. Clean oft each smoke detector at least once every 6 months; a buildup of cobwebs, dirt, grease or other debris can cause a smoke detector to sound false alarms or otherwise mal function. Keep the vents of the smoke detector clear using a vacuum, opening the cover and cleaning them off with a round, soft-bristled brush attachment ; if necessary, use a cloth dipped in a solution of mild household detergent and water to wipe off the interior and exterior surfaces of the cover. After cleaning off the smoke detector, close the cover, then test the battery (step left). USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER 59b--- Controlling a fire. Have someone call the fire department immediately. Lift the fire extinguisher out of its bracket and set it upright on the ground. Steadying the fire extinguisher with one hand, pull the lock pin out of the handle with the other hand (inset). Keeping the fire extinguisher upright, lift it up and aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, positioning your self 6 to 10 feet away and with your back to an accessible exit. Squeeze the two levers of the handle together and spray in a quick side-to-side motion. Keep spraying until the fire is completely extinguished. Watch carefully for flashback, or rekindling of the fire, and be prepared to spray again. If the flames spread, or the fire extinguisher empties before the fire is extinguished, evacuate the house immediately (63). Replace the fire extinguisher or have it professionally recharged after each use. CONTROLLING A COOKING FIRE 60ab--- Smothering a cooking fire in a pan or pot. Caution: Don’t move any pan or pot on the stove or open the oven door. If the flames don’t block access to the controls, turn off the burners and any hood fan. Protecting your hand with an oven mitt or a pot holder, cover the pan or pot with a fitted lid, angling it into place . Caution: Don’t clamp the lid straight down; the rush of air can spread the flames. If there is no fitted lid on hand, use a plate or platter slightly larger than the pan or pot. Let the pan or pot cool before removing the lid. If the flames spread, have someone call the fire department immediately, then control the fire with baking soda (step right) or a fire extinguisher (step below). Controlling a cooking fire with baking soda. Caution: Don’t move any pan or pot on the stove or open the oven door. If the fire is small and contained in a pan or pot, smother it (step left). If the fire is not small and contained, evacuate the house immediately (63) and call the fire department from the home of a neighbor. Otherwise, have someone call the fire department, then control the fire with a fire extinguisher (step below) or baking soda. If the flames don’t block access to the controls, turn off the burners and any hood fan. Protecting your hand with an oven mitt or a pot holder, pour baking soda on the fire until it’s extinguished . Caution: Don’t apply salt, water, baking powder or flour; they can spread the flames. Allow the range to cool before cleaning up. 60c--- Controlling a cooking fire with a fire extinguisher. Caution: Don’t move any pan or pot on the stove or open the oven door. If the fire is small and contained in a pan or pot, smother it (step above, left). If the fire is not small and contained, evacuate the house immediately (63) and call the fire department from the home of a neighbor. Otherwise, have someone ball the fire department, then control the fire with baking soda (step above, right) or a tire extinguisher rated ABC or BC (55). If the flames don’t block access to the controls, turn off the burners and any hood fan. Positioning yourself 6 to 10 feet away from the fire, spray it with the fire extinguisher (59) in a quick side-to-side motion until it’s extinguished . Caution: The fire may flare and appear to grow at first; be prepared to move back. Allow the range to cool before cleaning up. Replace the fire extinguisher or have it professionally recharged. CONTROLLING AN ELECTRICAL FIRE Extinguishing an electrical fire. Have some one call the fire department immediately; if the fire is not small and contained or there are flames or smoke coming from the walls or ceilings, evacuate the house (63) and call the fire department from the home of a neighbor. To control a small, contained fire in an electrical unit or at an outlet or switch, use a fire extinguisher rated ABC or BC (55). Caution: Don’t use water on an electrical fire. Positioning your self 6 to 10 feet away from the fire, spray it with the fire extinguisher (59) in a quick side-to-side motion until it’s extinguished . When the fire is extinguished, unplug or switch off the electrical hazard (87) or shut off electricity at the service panel (82). Have the electrical unit and your electrical system professionally inspected. Clean up (138) and replace the fire extinguisher or have it professionally recharged. CONTROLLING A CHEMICAL FIRE Extinguishing a chemical fire. Have someone call the fire department immediately; if the fire is not small and contained, evacuate the house (63) and call the fire department from the home of a neighbor. To control a small, contained fire in paints, fuels, solvents or other flammable chemicals, use a fire extinguisher rated ABC or BC (55). Caution: Don’t use water on a chemical fire. Positioning yourself 6 to 10 feet away from the fire, spray it with the fire extinguisher (59) in a quick side-to-side motion until it’s extinguished . Clean up (138), disposing of the burned chemical according to the instructions of the fire department. Replace the fire extinguisher or have it professionally recharged. CONTROLLING AN UPHOLSTERY FIRE 1. Extinguishing the fire. Have someone call the tire department immediately; if the tire is not small and contained, evacuate the house (63) and call the tire department from the home of a neighbor. To control a small, contained fire in upholstery, use a fire extinguisher rated ABC or A (55). Positioning yourself 6 to 10 feet away from the fire, spray it with the fire extinguisher (59) in a quick side-to-side motion until it’s extinguished . 2. Dousing smoldering embers. When the flames are extinguished, douse any smoldering embers with water, using a bucket to pour it onto the upholstery . Continue the procedure until the embers are put out and the area around the fire is thoroughly soaked, then take the chair or other upholstered furnishing outdoors. Clean up (138), disposing of the burned upholstery according to the instructions of the fire department. Replace the fire extinguisher or have it professionally recharged. RESCUING A VICTIM ON FIRE Smothering the flames. Caution: If your clothes catch on fire, don’t run; moving can fan the flames. Immediately drop to the ground and roll on it to smother the flames, keeping your hands over your face to protect your mouth and nose. Shout the same procedure at any victim if his clothes catch on fire; if necessary, grab a blanket, rug or coat and wrestle him to the ground , wrapping him tightly in it and rolling him over to smother the flames . Caution: Don’t use a fire extinguisher rated ABC to extinguish the flames; the gas produced can be toxic. Have someone call for medical help immediately, then treat the burn victim (36), monitoring his vital life signs. === REPARING A FIRE EVACUATION PLAN Planning an escape route. Fire can strike any part of the house at any time with little or no warning; knowing how to respond in advance can save lives. Prepare a fire evacuation plan and conduct fire drills with all family members; from each room, especially on upper floors. • Prepare a fire-escape floor plan, mapping a primary escape route from each room of the house; also map a secondary escape route for use in the event the primary route is blocked by fire or smoke. • Post your fire-escape floor plan in convenient, central areas of the house where guests and babysitters can see it; make sure it specifies a family meeting spot outside the house. • Keep your primary and secondary escape routes accessible. • Have family members practice any escape route involving the use of a portable fire ladder; to build their confidence, practice at a ground-floor window. • Conduct family fire drills regularly to avoid any panic or confusion in the event of a fire. End each fire drill at the predetermined meeting spot outside the house. • Post the telephone number of your local fire department at each telephone in the house; note that in most areas, you can dial 911 in the event of a life-threatening emergency. On an upper story, there should be 2 possible escape routes: a door and a window. Ensure each family member knows how to evacuate quickly and safely in the event of a fire-no matter where he may be. Use the following guidelines to prepare for a fire emergency: • Install smoke detectors and service them regularly; they are your first line of defense against a fire. • Install fire extinguishers and know how to use them; practice outdoors on a calm day, using plastic sheeting or old bed sheets to protect the ground from any residue. • Keep bedroom doors closed and unlocked when sleeping; in the event of a fire, a closed, unlocked door can provide extra time for your escape. Don’t allow children to sleep in isolated areas of the house where they can be trapped by flames or smoke. • If a fire is not small and contained, don’t attempt to extinguish it; evacuate the house immediately (step below) and call the fire department from the home of a neighbor. • Never waste valuable time trying to save personal possessions during a fire; it could cost you your life. • Don’t attempt to re-enter a burning house for any reason; inform firefighters of any trapped victim or pet. === ESCAPING A FIRE ( PRIMARY ROUTE) Using a primary escape route. If the room is filled with smoke, immediately drop to the floor; the gas produced by a fire can be fatal and the freshest air is at ground level. To minimize smoke inhalation, tie a rag, towel, pillowcase or article of clothing around your head, covering your nose and mouth. Crawl across the floor to the door of your primary escape route, staying as low to the floor as possible. If the door is closed, check it for heat by lightly touching the doorknob , the top of the door and the door trim. If you don’t detect heat, brace the door with your shoulder and open it slightly, checking for flames and smoke. If you detect heat, flames or smoke, close the door and use your secondary escape route (64). Otherwise, crawl out of the room , close the door behind you and follow your primary escape route to safety. ESCAPING A FIRE ( SECONDARY ROUTE) 64a--- 1. Sealing off the door. If heat, flames or smoke obstruct your primary escape route (63), close each door of the room immediately. With your nose and mouth covered to minimize the inhalation of smoke, seal around each door and any vent using rags, towels, bed linens or articles of clothing ; if possible, soak them with water. If heat, flames and smoke don’t obstruct your secondary escape route through a window, open it and climb out to safety; break it only if necessary (step 2) and if you are above the ground floor, use a portable fire ladder (step 3). Otherwise, stay in the room and wait for help. Open a window only enough to shout for help and to hang a light-colored marker, indicating your location, then close it. If possible, call the fire department from the room and give your exact location--even if firemen have already arrived. 2. Breaking the window. If your secondary escape route is through a window you cannot open, break it. Caution: If your secondary escape route is obstructed by heat, flames or smoke, don’t break the window; the air let in can fan the fire. Otherwise, stand to one side of the window with your face turned away from it and use a chair or other heavy object to break it . Repeat the procedure, it necessary, to break the window enough to climb out of it. Protecting your hand by wrapping a rag, towel, pillowcase or article of clothing around it, pick out or snap off any jagged shards of glass from the window frame (inset). Place a folded blanket on any remaining shards of glass along the bottom of the window frame, then climb out of the window and follow your secondary escape route to safety; if you are above the ground floor, use a portable fire ladder (step 3). 64c 3. Setting up the fire ladder. If your secondary escape route is through a window above the ground floor, use a portable fire ladder (55) to climb to safety. If heat, flames or smoke obstruct your secondary escape route, stay in the room and wait for help (step 1), keeping each window closed. Otherwise, holding the fire ladder firmly by the sill hooks, drop the rungs and chain out of the window ; if any rung tangles in the chain, raise the ladder back up, untangle it and lower it again. When the ladder is fully extended, pull the sill hooks apart until they snap in place perpendicular to the cross-brace, then position each one over the window sill and securely under the window frame. 65a--- 4. Climbing down the fire ladder to safety. Carefully climb out of the window, first thrusting one foot outdoors and straddling the window sill sideways. Holding onto the fire ladder by the sill hooks, reach your head out of the window far enough to see the rungs. Then, slowly lower your foot to the nearest rung of the fire ladder, shifting your weight to it, and bring the other foot out of the window (far left); place both feet together on the same rung. As soon as you feel stable on the fire ladder, climb down it one rung at a time (near left), keeping your weight as centered as possible on it to avoid swaying from side to side. Have only one person climb down the fire ladder at a time; then, have him hold the bottom of it steady for the next person. To carry a small child, have him wrap his arms and legs securely around you, then climb down the fire ladder face to face with him. Place an infant in an infant carrier and climb down the fire ladder the same way. -- Using a fireplace safely. A fireplace can be a safe source of warmth and enjoyment in your home-if it’s properly maintained. Soot and creosote, natural products of wood combustion, can cause a fire if they are allowed to build up. Maintain your fireplace (step right) and follow the precautions listed below: • Store firewood at least 3 feet from the fireplace and burn only dry firewood. Don’t use flammable liquids to ignite firewood and use as little, paper as possible to start a fire. • Always use a metal fire screen or heat-resistant glass fire doors in front of the fireplace; a fire screen should cover each side of the fireplace opening. • Never burn plastic or garbage in the fireplace; plastic can emit toxic fumes and garbage can burn out of control. Don’t burn painted or pressure-treated wood; the wood can emit toxic fumes. • Never leave a fire unattended in a fireplace. • Don’t close the flue damper until a fire is completely extinguished; a buildup of fatal carbon monoxide fumes can result. • To prevent sparks and burning particles from flying onto nearby rooftops and to keep animals and leaves from entering, install a wire-mesh spark arrester on the top of the chimney. • If your house is an older one, the chimney may not be lined with rectangular or square fireclay tiles or round glazed tiles, this can be a fire hazard and should be remedied by a professional. --- PREVENTING FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY FIRES Maintaining a fireplace. Regularly clean accumulated ashes out of the fireplace; don’t allow them to build up. Use a fireplace broom to sweep the ashes onto a metal shovel , then empty them into a metal container. Store the ashes outdoors in a covered metal container for disposal. Have the chimney flue cleaned at least once each year; if necessary, call your local fire department or building authority to have a qualified chimney sweep recommended. Age and temperature extremes can cause firebricks and mortar joints to loosen, crack or crumble. Periodically inspect your fireplace and have any damaged firebrick or mortar joint repaired as soon as possible. Previous: Household Security |