News

'Heated' subject could lead to disaster

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Imagine a snowy winter day in the Eagle Heights housing area. After completing their snowman and topping it off with a carrot nose and charcoal eyes, a group of children make their ways back home to sip on some hot cocoa and warm up in their cozy houses. 

The lower the mercury level dips on the thermometer, the more likely people are to crank up the dial on their thermostat and the parents in this case were no different, and their house was cozy and warm.

The scene above is a postcard winter scene of what a snowy day could be here on Dover Air Force Base. Still, without proper safety measures, a paper postcard can burn to ash in the matter of seconds. The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Prevention Office wants to be certain tragedy doesn't come knocking on Team Dover doors this winter.

"More fires occur during the winter months than any other time of the year," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Routh of the Fire Prevention Office. "Keep trash and other combustible items away from your heating system and if you must use a portable heater, use it wisely."

Residents should inspect the heater before use, said Sergeant Routh. Ensure the unit is clean and free of dust and lint, check the cord to make sure it is not frayed or cracked and never use an extension cord or surge suppressor to power the heater.

"Also, heaters should be located at least 36 inches from furniture, combustibles and people," said Brian Cullen, Fire Prevention Office. "Make certain to turn the heater off and unplug it when you leave the house or go to bed and never leave children unattended when the heater is in use."

Make sure the heater is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and has a tip-over shut off function, continued Mr. Cullen. Space heaters are not authorized in government work areas unless provided by CE due to facility heating outages.

The Fire Prevention Office understands that not all Team Dover members live in base housing and that some off-base residents may have fire places in their homes.

"If you have a fireplace in your home, careful attention to safety is necessary to minimize the fire hazard," said Sergeant Routh. "Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire. Also, use a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent sparks and embers from jumping out, and before you leave or go to sleep make sure the fire is out."

Never close your damper while hot ashes are in the fireplace, as this will help the fire heat up again and force carbon monoxide into the house, added Mr. Cullen. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually. Do not dispose of ashes inside the home; place them in a sealed metal container outside away from the house.

Remembering the imaginary postcard scene above, the house was cozy and warm, and the children were excited to get back inside to sip on their cocoa. According to the Fire Prevention Office, 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home and the victims of fire are most often children.

Additionally, older people or handicapped persons are at great risk to fire, said Sergeant Routh. Still, anyone may become a victim. Many of these fires are accidents that could have been prevented. The elimination of all fire hazards is the key to any effective fire safety program. As most fires start from the result of carelessness, fire prevention is the key.

An important aspect of fire prevention is awareness, said Mr. Cullen. Another is detection systems.

"Smoke detectors, if working and properly installed, can more than double your chances of surviving a fire," explained Mr. Cullen. "Install smoke detectors in every home, on every level, outside or in each sleeping area. Clean and test your smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly. When the alarm sounds get out fast and stay out! Develop an escape plan with at least two ways out of every room, and practice it at least twice a year."

Sergeant Routh warns that, though furnaces give off heat and keep you warm, they emit something else, as well.

"Your furnace gives off carbon monoxide," said Sergeant Routh. "Install CO detectors near sleeping areas of your home. Also, leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists; do not attempt to do it yourself."

For questions, concerns or more information, Team Dover members can contact Mr. Cullen and Sergeant Routh by calling the Fire Prevention office at 677-4414 or 4415.