Space heating the leading cause of home fires in winter Both fixed and
portable devices require careful attention.

Space heaters are the leading cause of home fires during December, January and February—but such disasters can be prevented with a few simple precautions.

Two out of every three home fires associated with heating equipment involve devices other than central furnaces or water heaters, according to the latest statistics from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). When used improperly, space heaters—gas-fueled, kerosene-fueled or electric, fixed or portable, wood stoves and fireplaces can all lead to fires.

Portable kerosene heaters, which are illegal in some states, have the highest rate of fire deaths per household. Room gas heaters pose a similar risk of death from unvented carbon monoxide.

In 1998, all forms of home heating caused 49,200 reported fires, 388 deaths, 1,445 injuries, and $515 million in property damage. Typically these fires occurred because the devices weren't cleaned regularly, were placed or installed too close to combustible materials, had basic flaws in construction or design, or were improperly fueled.

"As winter approaches, we want to get the message out that space-heating devices require special care to be used safely," said Meri-K Appy, NFPA's vice president for public education. "Simple steps can prevent a tragedy in your home."

NFPA recommends these safety measures:

When buying a new unit, make sure it carries the mark of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. Be sure that a qualified technician installs the unit or checks that the unit has been installed properly.

If you use a wood or coal stove or a fireplace, have a professional inspect your chimney, chimney connector and other related equipment every year, and have it cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.

Keep space heaters at least three feet (or one meter) from anything that can burn.

Fuel portable kerosene heaters in a well-ventilated area away from flames or other heat sources, and only when the device has cooled completely. Use only the type of kerosene specified by the manufacturer, and never use gasoline. Use only if such heaters are legal in your community.

When turning a heating device on or off, follow the manufacturer's instructions. When buying heaters, choose devices with automatic shutoff features.
Make sure any gas-fueled heating device is adequately ventilated. Unventilated gas space heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms must be small and well-mounted. Never use liquefied-petroleum gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies in the home.

NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training and education.



The Town of Smyrna has two very important codes which directly affect you as a resident of an apartment complex. We realize that many of you may not be familiar with these codes and we would like to take this opportunity to familiarize you with them. The codes are paraphrased as follows :

Charcoal grills shall not be used on balconies, in breeze ways or within ten ( 10 ) feet of the building.

Gas grill use or storage is not allowed in breeze ways, on balconies or within ten ( 10 ) feet of the building.

You may ask why the Town of Smyrna would have such codes and why are they so important. The answer to those questions is quite simple : safety.

You may recall that in May of 2001, there was a fire at Cedar Pointe Apartments in Nashville. Ten units were destroyed in the fire and five others were damaged by water and smoke. The fire left twenty - five (25) people homeless. The fire started as a result of a grill being used on a balcony.

It is the goal of the Smyrna Fire Department to practice and teach fire safety in all of our daily duties. As you know, in multi - family living situations what you do affects your neighbor and what your neighbor does affects you. It is imperative to the safety of all residents that these codes be followed.

Please help us to enforce these codes. They were adopted for everyone's safety.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact our department at 615-459-9742, extension 7540.
 

Beware when you barbecue. In 1998 alone, there were 6,100 reported home fires involving gas or charcoal grills in the U.S., leading to $29.1 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA.

  • When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves on single family homes.
  • Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
  • Keep children and pets far away from grills.
  • With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
  • With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.

 


Water Safety
 

Extra caution should be used when around water, for children and adults.

Only swim in approved areas.
Always supervise children near water at all times and make sure that children learn to swim.
Check the depth of the water with a lifeguard before jumping in.
Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.
Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors, fans and heating devices before fueling a boat. In case of a spill, wipe up fuel immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the boat's motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.

Camping Safety Tips

Always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.
Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.
Always build your campfire down wind away from your tent. Clear all vegetation and dig a pit surrounded by rocks before building your campfire.

Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
Always put out a campfire when going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish the fire, cover with dirt or pour water over it


Spring Safety Tips

With warmer weather and longer days, people in the Town of Smyrna emerge from their winter cocoons to focus on long-neglected projects like spring cleaning, home repairs, and yard work.
Many are also lacing up their shoes for their first outdoor walk or jog of the season. These activities can be extremely beneficial, but they also involve a variety of health and safety hazards that can be avoided with the proper precautions. To help ensure everyone in our community stays safe this season, the members of
Smyrna Fire Department offer the following tips and suggest you post them where they can be seen by your family members and co-workers.




Nature is undergoing a fresh start and so are homeowners who are ready to clean up the debris that has been accumulating in basements, storage sheds, and garages over the winter.