The month of January is well underway with a colder-than-normal record thus far. With the colder than normal temperatures, the heating systems are being worked overtime to try and keep up with the demand. House fires are at a higher rate around the County.
If you burn wood, make sure to have your chimney inspected by a company with a camera to check the liner on your chimney. The Fire Department no longer inspects chimneys, because without a camera, we can’t be certain of the integrity of the liner. There are local merchants who have cameras to check chimneys.
Also, you should have your stove installation inspected for the first time before burning wood. If you live in Presque Isle, the Presque Isle Fire Department will inspect new stove installations. To set up an appointment, please call our non-emergency number, which is 769-0881. It is also a good idea to clean and check your chimney at least once a month for creosote buildup.
If you are using a space heater to supplement your heat in your home, please remember to maintain 3 feet of space around the heater. Ensure that your space heater has the UL rating and has the tip-over safety shutoff switch built into it. If it is an electric heater, remember not to use extension cords and never run the electric cords under throw rugs, etc. Keep the heater on the floor and keep it out of the high-traffic areas so as not to create any tripping hazards. Do not leave the heater unattended, and if you have small children, please have adult supervision when running the heater.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Every household should have working carbon monoxide alarms outside of every sleeping area.
With the arrival of snow, please remember to keep exhaust pipes for furnaces clear of snow. When shoveling snow, ensure to keep your exits clear of snow, so you can escape in case of a fire. The one exit that is blocked with snow might be the one needed to escape a burning building.
If you need any information on these topics, please feel free to contact the Presque Isle Fire Department at 769-0881. As always please remember to check your smoke detectors at least once a month, and have a fire escape plan.
Remember, for all emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.
Adam Rider is Presque Isle’s deputy fire chief. Fire Chief Darrell White can be reached at 764-2538 or via email at dwhite@presqueisleme.us.
