EMFD Wants You to Stay Safe and Warm this Winter

According to fire safety experts, portable home heaters can increase the risk of home fires during the winter months. “Heating is among the leading causes of home fires, deaths, and injuries in the U.S.,” says Commissioner James Surless, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, East Meadow Fire District. “Electric and kerosene space heaters are most often involved in heating equipment fires, accounting for approximately 40% of the fires.” Commissioner Surless reminds residents to exercise caution using space heaters and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and select heaters that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). Portable heaters should never be left unattended or closer than three feet to items that can catch fire, such as curtains, bedding, and other combustible material.

Electric space heaters should never be used with an extension cord or placed on tables, furniture, or on carpets or rugs because the heat generated can cause a fire. Users of electric heaters should unplug the device when it is not in use.

While kerosene heaters are used to produce heat, low levels of certain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide, are produced by burning kerosene. Exposure to even low levels of these emissions can be harmful, especially to individuals with chronic respiratory or circulatory health problems. “We discourage the use of kerosene heaters inside the home because of the risks associated with carbon monoxide and an open flame,” said Commissioner Surless. “But, if you must use a kerosene heater, please use extra caution and make sure it’s used in a well-ventilated area to help reduce the risk of CO poisoning.”

CO is often referred to as an invisible killer because it is an odorless, colorless gas created by combustion. CO poisoning symptoms include a dull headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. The symptoms may be apparent in your pets, too. If you or a family member exhibit any of these symptoms, call the East Meadow Fire Department’s emergency number 516-542-0576 immediately and get to a location with fresh air, like outside the home.

East Meadow Fire Department officials remind residents that the singular thing to do to reduce the risk of injuries and property loss due to fire and other hazards, including CO poisoning, is to have working smoke detectors and CO alarms on every floor in the home. It is not only the safe thing to do, but it is also the law!

The East Meadow Fire Department is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com, or call 516-542-4565.