Sumter residents warned to heat homes safely this season
With winter around the corner and temperatures dropping, South Carolinians are turning on their space heaters and lighting up their fireplaces.
State Fire Marshal Jonathan Jones is urging people to be careful as this time of year is dangerous for residential fires and fire deaths.
"Each season brings with it changes in the weather and our daily habits," Jones said. "However, the risk of fire always increases any time heaters are turned on and fireplaces are in use. As such, we need to remain vigilant about fire safety, especially since our statistics reveal more home fires occur during the winter months than during any other part of the year."
The Office of the State Fire Marshal considers the beginning of December to mid-February winter months in South Carolina.
Last winter, South Carolina had 29 fatal fires resulting in 33 fire deaths, including 15 fire deaths reported in December 2018, 13 in January 2019 and five in February 2019. Ten of the 29 fires were heating-related.
"During this time of year, people are going to do whatever they need to do to stay warm," Sumter Fire Department Division Chief Joey Duggan said. "Unfortunately, we run [to calls] on a regular basis all the time, but we will get more heater-type fires and [calls for] smells of smoke. Especially this time of year when people are starting to turn their heaters on for the first time, and it's burning some of the dust from the summer months."
The Sumter Fire Department reported four fire deaths in 2018 that resulted from four incidents. Three of the four were house fires. One, which occurred on Christmas, was heating-related and claimed the life of a 33-year-old man.
KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE THIS SEASON
Reduce the risks of fires this winter season by identifying possible hazards and following these safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Marshal:
- Only use kerosene heaters and space heaters according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect the heater for cracked or broken plugs; do not use if frayed, worn or damaged.
- Keep the unit on a flat surface at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
- Do not let pets or children play too close to a heater.
- Never leave heaters unattended.
- Refuel kerosene heaters outdoors.
- Always plug a space heater directly into the wall, and unplug when not in use. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
- Heating pads and electric blankets also pose a fire risk, especially if it's more than 10 years old. Do not place anything on top of either one while in use - including other blankets or pets - and never fold electric blankets or use while sleeping.
- Portable generators produce odorless and deadly carbon monoxide. Follow manufacturer's instructions to prevent death from carbon monoxide. Never use a generator indoors.
- Be cautious when using candles. Use sturdy candle holders, and extinguish upon leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Have flashlights ready to use in case of a power outage.
- Make sure fireplaces have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Only burn seasoned and dried wood. During the upcoming holiday season, avoid hanging decorations around the fireplace area. Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace.
- Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. If not, they can become filled with flammable layers of creosote, a byproduct of wood burning that is mostly tar and solidifies and sticks to a chimney when mixed wiht cold air and water near the top of the chimney.
- Do not use the kitchen stove or oven to heat the home. Neither are designed to heat large areas, and the element may fail or overheat, causing a fire.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level and in every space of the home. Sleeping with the bedroom door closed can increase your chance for survival by slowing the spread of fire and smoke.
- If there is a fire emergency, call 911 as soon as possible and get and remain outdoors. Never return inside a burning building for any reason.