Dangerous heaters a concern in coming heating season

Fire Prevention Week warns about alternative heating devices

By TOM KANE

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY - Imagine this scenario. With skyrocketing heating oil prices and a cold winter, people may be unable to afford oil and will turn to unconventional devices to keep warm. Those devices may be used in ways for which they were never intended and people may not know how to use them properly. Loss of property or, worse, loss of life could occur.

“That scares me,” said Jack Halchak, deputy fire coordinator for the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire. Halchak, who has been a fireman for 39 years, has seen it all, but maybe not like this. “I’ve never seen conditions like we are likely to face this winter. People have to be very careful how they heat their homes this winter when they use some of these unconventional devices.”

Halchak is making this the main thrust of his efforts to promote Fire Prevention Week, which occurs from October 5 to October 11.

Halchak says that fire risks can be minimized if people exercise basic safety precautions.

“First, there are wood stoves,” he said. “They can be useful sources of heat if they’re used properly.” But they can become dangerous if not maintained regularly.

“A poorly maintained woodstove creates creosote in chimneys and exit pipes that can easily catch on fire.”

Halchak said he doesn’t want to think about all the chimney fires he has extinguished over the years.

“Make sure the woodstove is installed correctly and that the flue is clear of creosote,” he said.

Next comes kerosene heaters. “One of the problems with these is that people don’t use the right kind of kerosene, which should be high grade,” he said. “Also, don’t burn them all night. There is a kind that can topple over and usually does after a while.”

These heaters should be filled outdoors. “If you spill kerosene on the rug, you have a flammable surface that can go up in flames,” he said.

Portable electric heaters present some unique dangers as well. “Never use an extension cord but plug them directly in the wall, and make sure your circuit box can handle the electric flow,” he said.

Another activity during Fire Prevention Week is a poster contest in all the county schools. “It’s part of our educational efforts to get students aware so they can warn their parents,” Halchak said. Final winning posters will be judged at the Sullivan County Government Center on October 14.

County firefighters will also be visiting local elementary schools. Although fire prevention week is over at the end of the week, Halchak will keep the public education campaign going through the heating season.