Are There Hidden Dangers In Your Home

ARE THERE HIDDEN DANGERS IN YOUR HOME, PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY AND TO ENJOY THE WARMTH OF NEW HAMPSHIRE’S RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT WOOD HEATING SAFETY TIPS:

The recent tragedy in Connecticut with the loss of three children and two adults to fire on Christmas day reminds us of how vulnerable we are in a fire. State Fire Marshal Bill Degnan and NH Association of Fire Chiefs President Corey Landry recommend taking the time to be alert to fire hazards in your home.

Chief Landry encourages home owners to make sure that combustible materials are kept at least 36 inches away from all heating devices and when cleaning out ashes from a fireplace or woodstove, place the ashes in a covered metal container that is set outside on dirt or concrete that is at least 36 inches away from buildings or combustible materials. Never set a bucket of ashes on a deck!

Fire Marshal Degnan stated heating fires are often the result of the improper use or maintenance of supplemental home heating appliances, such as wood stoves, coal stoves, and kerosene space heaters and are the leading cause of fire in New Hampshire. The use of these supplemental heating devices also increases the risk of dangerous accumulation of carbon monoxide in the home if not properly installed or maintained.

Both Degnan and Landry advise that it is critical that every home has at least one smoke detector on each floor level and a carbon monoxide alarm. The best protection for your family is smoke detectors in combination with automatic residential fire sprinklers. You also need to know what to do when the alarm sounds which every family should develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

For further information concerning home fire safety, contact Captain Jason Smedick at the Milford Fire Department at 603-249-0680.