State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan Department of Fire Services

1. State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan Department of Fire Services

2. Our Goal Protect lives and property by raising public awareness of the hazards associated with the improper use of alternative heating sources

3. Our Objectives • Identify the Problem • Provide Fire & Life Safety Information • Provide Resources

4. The Problem • Heating is the second leading cause of fires in the home • In Franklin and Hampshire counties, heating is the #1 cause of home fires

5. Heating Equipment Fires(All Structures & Fuel Types) • From 2004 to 2008: • 14,358 fires caused by heating • 19 civilian deaths • 94 civilian injuries • 164 fire service injuries • $59.6 million (plus) in property losses

6. Types of Heating Equipment Fires

7. Solid Fueled Appliances • Consist of chimneys, fireplaces, woodstoves, coal stoves, pellet stoves and furnaces • 4,300 fires • 4 civilian deaths • 12 civilian injuries • 39 fire service injuries • $14.6 million (plus) in property damage

8. Electric Fuel Heating Appliances • 423 fires • 9 civilian deaths • 29 civilian injuries • 33 fire service injuries • $11.9 million (plus) in property damage

9. Space Heater Fires • From 2004 to 2008: • 55 space heater fires • 9 civilian deaths • 1 in 6 fires causes a death • 8 civilian & 15 firefighter injuries • $3.3 million (plus) in property damage • Average $$$ loss/fire $60,356

10. Carbon Monoxide (CO) The Silent Killer • Heating appliances are the leading source of CO in the home • From 2004 to 2008: • 46% of CO calls occurred November thru February • 95% of all CO incidents occurred in residential buildings

11. Winter Peak Time for CO Calls

12. Carbon Monoxide (CO)The Silent Killer • Nicole’s Law requiring CO detectors in residences, effective March 2006 • Applies to all residential buildings using fossil fuel or buildings with attached garages

13. Fire & Life Safety Information • The ABCs of Fire Safety • Heating Equipment Maintenance

14. ABCs of Fire Safety • Working smoke detectors and CO alarms • Hold home fire drills • Two ways out of every room • Meeting place

15. ABCs of Fire Safety • Have heating systems annually serviced • Do not use kitchen appliances like ovens for heating

16. ABCs of Fire Safety • Heating equipment is the leading source of carbon monoxide in the home • Have chimneys cleaned annually • Dispose of ashes properly • Space heaters need space!

17. Don’t Heat with the Oven! • Do not use the oven or any kitchen appliance for heat • Pours CO into the room • If no heat, then look for fuel assistance or emergency shelter

18. Heating Equipment Maintenance • Regular maintenance can prevent many problems • Have a professional service your heating system, including chimneys, before or at the start of the heating season • Do not let oil furnaces get 100% empty

19. Heating Equipment Maintenance • Permits are required for new system installations • Oil requires fire department permit • Gas requires plumbing inspector permit • Have professional install new equipment

20. Solid Fuel Heating Safety • Consist of woodstoves, coal stoves chimneys, fireplaces, pellet stoves and furnaces • Proper disposal and storage of ashes • Metal container with lid • Not cardboard box and/or plastic pail • Away from the house

21. Solid Fuel Heating Safety • Regular cleaning and inspection of chimneys • Proper maintenance of stoves - particularly pellet stove hoppers • Building permit and inspection required for installation

22. Space Heaters Need Space! • Keep space heaters 3-feet away from anything that can catch fire – clothes, beds, furniture, newspapers, walls • Do not use space heaters as your primary heating source

23. Space Heaters Need Space! • If needed, use a heavy-duty extension cord • Inspect for any cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections • Replace before using

24. Space Heaters Need Space! • Buy a space heater with: • Mark of independent testing lab (such as UL or Factory Mutual) • Automatic shut-off • Grill to protect the heating element

25. Kerosene Heaters Are Illegal • In Massachusetts, unvented liquid-fire (kerosene) space heaters are illegal • Pose fire and CO poisoning risk • May be for sale legally in neighboring states • Leave them there!

26. Resources • Fire Safety • Fuel Assistance

27. Fire Safety Resources Your Local Fire Department Department of Fire Services www.mass.gov/KeepWarmKeepSafe

28. Fire Safety Resources National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) www.nfpa.org U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) www.usfa.dhs.gov American Red Cross www.redcross.org

29. Fuel Assistance • Explore fuel assistance just in case you may need it • Fuel assistance programs can help with heating system maintenance and weatherization

30. Fuel Assistance The Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) DHCD Heat Hotline 1-800-632-8175 For Boston only, call  617-357-6012 Visit www.mass.gov/dhcdand click on “Heating Assistance”

31. Fuel Assistance The Executive Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulationwww.mass.gov/ocabrand click on “Winter Heating Help” State Attorney General’s Office www.mass.gov/agoand click on “Consumer Protection” then “Home & Housing”

32. Help Your Community • Help place the Keep Warm, Keep Safe public service announcements on local cable channels • Invite your fire department to participate in local public access channel programs

33. Help Your Community • Share fire and life safety information with family, friends and neighbors • Practice the ABCs of fire safety – Make sure your smoke detectors and CO alarms are working!

34. Help Your Community • Host a presentation by your fire department at other community locations (libraries, senior centers, town halls, etc.)  • Work with your local fire department on ongoing outreach

35. In Conclusion • Be smart about your heating choices this winter • Learn more about fire safety • Be informed about heating systems, heating alternatives and fuel assistance

36. Thank You! Questions?