| Below is some crucial information on fire sprinklers and portable space heaters that we hope you will distribute throughout your local communities as we brace for the extremely cold weather this week.
Thanks for all you do to make Tennessee a safer place to live!
Claire Marsalis - Community Risk Reduction Coordinator
State Fire Marshal’s Office
Department of Commerce and Insurance
500 James Robertson Parkway, 10th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
615-532-5847 office |615-969-0934 mobile |615-741-1475 fax
Claire.Marsalis@tn.gov | http://tn.gov/fire
Portable Heater Safety is Crucial During Winter’s Coldest Months
The arrival of single-digit weather in Tennessee this week is prompting the State Fire Marshal’s Office to remind residents to stay safe when using portable heaters in their homes.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of following safety precautions when using portable space heating devices in your home,” said State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “Keeping fire safety in mind can help save lives and property.”
Portable heaters are common sights during winter, but they can sometimes lead to tragedy if not used properly. According to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS), 3,194 heating fires occurred in Tennessee from 2009-2013. These fires claimed the lives of 39 people, injured 49 and damaged $32.7 million in property. Space heaters were involved in 59% of all state heating fire deaths. 56% of all heating fires happened in just three months of the year – December, January, and February.
You can help prevent a portable heater fire in your home this winter by following a few fire safety steps:
- Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave a room.
- Keep anything that can burn, including bedding, clothing, curtains, pets and people at least three feet away from portable heaters.
- Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory and with an automatic shut-off so that if they tip over, they shut off.
- Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Check the cord for fraying/cracking and look for broken wires or signs of overheating in the device itself.
- Never run the heater cord (or any cord) under rugs or carpeting.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, having a working smoke alarm reduces a person's chance of dying in a fire by half. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in every bedroom, and interconnect them if possible. Test smoke alarms monthly and entirely replace any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older. Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with every member of your household. Have two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place to gather in the event of an emergency.
Prevent Fire Sprinkler System Freeze
As temperatures plunge this winter, fire sprinkler systems become vulnerable to freeze-ups just like all water-filled pipes.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging home and business owners to take a few preventative maintenance steps now in order to keep buildings safe from fire during the winter months and help owners avoid costly repairs down the road.
“Forecasters predict temperatures will drop below average this winter across the south and southeastern portions of the U.S,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Fire sprinkler users should take precautions ahead of the season’s coldest weather to ensure they have peace of mind throughout winter.”
Fire sprinkler system owners can prevent sprinkler system freeze-ups by following these tips:
• Make sure all building heating systems are in good working order and ready for cold weather.
• Repair broken windows and doors that won’t seal up tightly. Replace missing insulation, and add additional pipe insulation in unheated areas where the system is located. Seal cracks or other places where cold air can access buildings.
• Encourage employees to report drafts and cold areas to building maintenance personnel.
• Conduct regular inspection, testing and maintenance of the system is performed by a qualified National Fire Sprinkler Association contractor in accordance with National Fire Protection Association guidelines.
• Install and test the system’s water flow alarms to alert users water might be flowing in the system.
• Drain all water and condensation from drains and low points as often as necessary.
• Check pressures daily during cold weather, especially at night when temperatures are lowest.
For more information on preventing fire sprinkler freeze-ups, contact the National Fire Sprinkler Association at (865) 755-2956 or the National Fire Sprinkler Association at (845) 878-4200.
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