Safety first
Officials offer tips as part of Fire Prevention WeekBy Kurt Hauglie DMG Writer
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HOUGHTON - Keeping a home safe from fire is usually a matter of common sense, but sometimes being reminded what to do - and not do - can be helpful, and that's the purpose of Michigan Fire Prevention Week, which wraps up today.
Jack Dueweke, emergency services coordinator for Houghton and Keweenaw counties, hopes the public will remain mindful of safety issues through the entire year. He said with the beginning of the heating season, careful preparation should be taken before heating with wood.
"Given the crunch on energy costs, people should be careful using their woodstoves," he said.
Those heating with wood should be certain the smokestacks are clear of soot and creosote, and the stove has adequate air flow.
Proper use of extension cords is important for preventing fires, Dueweke said, particularly in older houses, which may not have as many electric outlets as newer houses. Placing cords under rugs is not a good idea.
"Those cords get trampled and worn and frayed," he said.
Frayed cords can spark and cause fires.
Not taking care in the kitchen can lead to fires, which often get out of hand and burn a house down, Dueweke said.
"Kitchen fires, nationwide, are one of the main sources of house fires," he said.
When cooking, Dueweke said care should be taken to keep flammable items away from heat sources, and exhaust fans should be in good working order.
Lint build up in clothes dryer ventilation tubes can also cause fires, and Dueweke said it's important those are kept clear.
"There are a few fires that start each year because that stuff catches on fire," he said.
Flammable liquids should be stored out of the house away from flame, Dueweke said, and rags soaked in flammable liquids should be stored safely.
"You should always keep oily rags in a nonflammable container with a tight lid," he said.
Household fire extinguishers are important items for keeping small fires from becoming larger fires which may destroy a dwelling, Dueweke said. The ABC-type extinguishers can be used on all types of fires.
It's important to know the proper method for using fire extinguishers, and Dueweke said remembering PASS (pull, aim, squeeze and sweep), will assure proper use. After pulling the pin from the extinguisher's grip, it should be squeezed, then the stream should be aimed at the base of the fire, and swept back and forth.
In the worst case, Dueweke said those whose clothing catches fire should remember to drop and roll rather than run, which can actually fan the flames.
"(Drop and roll) is the best way, especially if you're alone," he said.
Dueweke said families should have a plan of escape in case of fire, and a place to meet once out of the building. The plan should be practiced occasionally, also.
There may be a strong urge to go back into a burning building to get personal items, especially those with sentimental value, or a pet, but Dueweke said the urge should be avoided.
"It's a huge draw to go back and get something like that, but you do so at your peril," he said. "Once you get out of a fire, stay out."
Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie @mininggazette.com.
