Aroostook County Branch Manager
Those of us who are natives or who have lived in Aroostook County should not have been surprised to see the white stuff covering our lawns last Tuesday morning. It’s that time of year when snow can be expected at any time. As temperatures start to dip across the area, the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources, and to make a plan in case of a home fire. Heating sources are the leading cause of winter fires and increase during the late fall and winter months.
A January 2006 poll conducted by ORC International for the Red Cross found that nearly half of American families use alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces or wood/coal stoves to stay warm. To prevent heating-related fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping all potential fuel sources like newspapers, matches, bedding and clothing, at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces and wood stoves. In addition, portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended.
“Last year, the Aroostook County Branch of the Pine Tree Chapter responded to more than 25 home fires in the county, a significant increase since 2000,” said Mike Brown, co-lead disaster volunteer. “Preparing for a home fire doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or training and doesn’t take much time.
“In addition to following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use heating equipment, one of the easiest ways to prepare for a fire is to check that all of your home’s smoke alarms are in good condition,” he said. “Smoke alarms should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each level of your home. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, install an alarm in each bedroom, too. Use the test button to check your alarms once a month and batteries should be replaced once a year.”
The American Red Cross offers the following prevention tips to stop heating fires before they start:
• Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, and stoves.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually by a professional and cleaned if necessary.
• If you must use a space heater, place them on a level, hard and non-flammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor) not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.
The Red Cross depends on the generous support of area residents to respond to our neighbors who are affected by home fires. You can help the Red Cross be ready to respond and help fire victims by making a financial contribution to the Aroostook County Branch of the Pine Tree Chapter today or sign up to be trained as a disaster volunteer – all training is at no cost. For more information, please contact your local Red Cross office at 207-762-5671 or e-mail knorrj@pinetree.redcross.org. To make a financial donation, please make your check payable to the American Red Cross and mail to American Red Cross, 141 State St., Presque Isle, Maine 04769.
File photograph
THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR when firefighters become even busier as heating sources are the leading cause of winter fires and increase during the late fall and winter months. As temperatures start to dip across the area, the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources, and to make a plan in case of a home fire.
