2014 02 06 statewide heating and electrical safety

Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release Martin O’Malley Governor

Brian S. Geraci State Fire Marshal

STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS MARYLANDERS OF HEATING AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEWIDE (February 6, 2014) – The cold temperatures grasping Maryland have resulted in numerous fires involving heating and electrical equipment. Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal have responded to 22 electrical related fires and 19 heating related fires in the month of January. Fire departments from around the State are busy responding to several of these accidental fires. Preliminary reports for 2013 reveal 207 electrical fires occurred in Maryland resulting in over $4.3 million dollars in damage and 182 heating appliance related fires resulted in nearly $3.4 million dollars in damage.

The State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci is reminding all Marylanders of the risks associated with heating appliances and electrical use. “Most fires related to heating appliances and electrical issues are preventable through proper maintenance and fire safe practices. Please review the safety tips provided below to avoid unwanted and uncontrolled fire where you live, work or play”, exclaimed the State Fire Marshal.

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Electrical Safety Have electrical work performed by an electrician.

Limit using heat producing appliances such as: coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, space heaters, etc., by using them alternatively.

Consider having Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets (GFCI) installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements and outdoors. These devices reduce the risk of shock by automatically turning off the power supply at the outlet.

Major appliances such as: refrigerators, air conditioners, washers, dryers, etc. should only be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords and power strips should never be used with these devices.

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208

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Overloaded circuits are a significant cause for fires. Limit devices plugged into an electrical circuit. Have an electrician install additional outlets and circuits to fulfill your electrical needs.

When in doubt, have a qualified electrician thoroughly inspect the household electrical system.

Woodstove and Fireplace Safety Ensure chimneys are cleaned annually or more frequently if used as the primary heating equipment.

Use properly sized fireplace screens or enclosures. Never use a flammable liquid to start a fire.

When disposing of cooled ashes, do not use paper or plastic containers to remove them, instead use a metal container. Ashes will insulate hot embers long after the fire is considered out.

Make sure fuel burning stoves are installed according to local fire codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

Furnace System Safety Have your furnace inspected and serviced annually.

Check and replace filters according to manufacturer’s directions. A dirty filter restricts air flow causing the system to work harder.

Portable Space Heaters Safety Check portable electric heaters for frayed/damaged wires and ensure they are clean and placed on a flat level surface. Use only “listed” appliances by an approved testing laboratory and follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not use extension cords with portable space heaters. The extension cord can overheat and cause a fire.

If you use kerosene fuel fired heaters, use only “K-1” kerosene fuel. Never fill the unit inside, remove it to the exterior after it has cooled before refueling. Note: Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City.

Open a window enough to provide proper ventilation.

Keep combustibles (furniture, curtains, clothing, paper goods, etc.), at least (3) three feet from all heat sources.

Fuel burning appliances can produce the deadly, tasteless and odorless gas known as carbon monoxide. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of carbon monoxide levels.

Always turn off portable heating equipment when leaving the room for extended periods.

Portable heaters should never be operated unattended.

Along with these safety tips, check to make sure your smoke alarms and CO detectors are in good working order. “Routine maintenance and safe operation of heating equipment and electrical appliances, combined with properly installed and operating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, are proper life-saving measures for all Marylanders,” stated Geraci.

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1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal and/or http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal.

Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208