Preventing Heating Home Fires

If you live in Florida you know that we do not get to experience the change of seasons like most of the world does, however, we do get hit with cold fronts this time of year. One day we are enjoying a nice day on the beach when the next we are experiencing freezing temperatures that were brought in with a cold front. With the temperatures dropping into the 20s-30s all over Florida, we are all looking for a way to stay warm. Many people reach for their space heater during a cold night but are unaware of the dangers and risks they pose. 

January is the peak month for portable heater fires. Only 2 percent of heating fires in homes involve portable heaters, however, portable heaters are involved in 45 percent of all fatal home heating fires. An estimated 900 portable heater fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause 70 deaths, 150 injuries and $53 million in property loss. 52 percent of home portable heater fires occur because they are too close to items that can burn. 

For the safety of you and your family you should take a moment to review these important safety tips. 

Space Heater Safety Tips

• When purchasing a electric space heater only buy ones that have been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Look for the UL mark on the electric heater. 
• Only use heaters that have a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. 
• Heaters are not dryers or tables; do not dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. 
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
• Always unplug your electric heater when not in use. 
• Inspect the heater's cord periodically to look for frayed wire or damaged insulation. DO NOT USE a space heater with a damaged cord. 
• Heaters should be placed on a flat, level surface. Do not place heaters on furniture since they may fall and become damaged or break parts in the heater. 
• Unless the heater is designed for use outdoors or in bathrooms, do not use in damp, wet areas. 
• If you have a liquid-fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. The wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment was designed for and cause a serious fire. 
• When refueling, turn off the heater and let it cool down completely before adding fuel. Wipe any spills promptly. 
• Before you buy a kerosene heater, check with your local fire department to ensure that it is legal.
• If you have a kerosene heater, never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily. Use ONLY crystal clear K-1 kerosene. 
• Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room. 

Fireplace Safety Tips

• Make sure to clean out your fireplace frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. 
• Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. 
• Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. 
• Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. 
• Don't wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. 
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. 
• Allow ashes to completely cool before placing them in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from your home and any other nearby buildings. 

* Always have a working smoke alarm and a home escape plan. Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice your home escape plan frequently with your family. *

Avoid Using These Sources to Heat Your Home

1. Turning on the oven and/or stove top.

Why it's a bad idea:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a invisible, odorless gas that could be hanging around in your kitchen. The EPA says at moderate levels it causes headaches, dizziness, nausea and fainting - and at high levels it can be fatal.
• The risk for a fire. Leaving your gas or electric stove top/oven on poses a risk for fires. Do not use your oven or stove top for heat.

2. Running the shower. 

Why it's a bad idea:

• It won't be very effective and it will fill your home with unwanted moisture. Moisture can grow into a mold problem.
• It wastes a lot of water and any benefits are short-lived. The little if any heat that is produced from running your shower will disappear once the hot water runs out. Running your shower for a long period of time is not environmentally friendly and will add an unnecessary increase to your water bill. 

3. Burning candles. 

Why it's a bad idea:

• They are not effective. Candles do add some extra warmth to a close surrounding area but it is certainly not enough to do the trick if your heat is not working properly in your home. 
• They pose a high risk of fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended. 

What is Perc? What are the Risks?

Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, or perc, is a chemical that is widely used in the dry cleaning and soft contents restoration industries. Up to 85% of U.S. dry cleaners use this solvent and it is also used in the cleaning of metal machinery and to manufacture some consumer products and other chemicals.

Perc is a clear, colorless liquid that has a sharp, sweet odor and evaporates quickly. It is an effective cleaning solvent and is used by most professional dry cleaners because it removes stains and dirt from all common types of fabrics. Perc is also a toxic chemical with both human health and environment concerns. While EPA does not believe having your clothes dry cleaned with perc will result in an increased risk for adverse health effects for you or your family, the disposal of this harmful chemical is what raises major concerns.

How is Perc Released into the Environment?

During the cleaning, purification, and waste disposal phases of dry cleaning perc can be released into the air, water and ground.

Outdoor Air
Perc can escape into the outdoor air through open windows, vents and air-conditioning systems at facilities using perc. Once outdoors, perc can remain in the atmosphere for several weeks. After a few weeks, perc breaks down into other chemicals, some of which are toxic, and some of which are suspected to deplete the ozone layer.

Ground
Perc can enter the ground in liquid form through spills, leaky pipes, leaky tanks, machine leaks and from improperly handled waste. Significant amounts of perc have been found in waste resulting from dry cleaning, which is considered hazardous waste by the EPA. Perc is known to be toxic to plants.

Water
Perc can seep through the ground and contaminate surface water, groundwater and potentially drinking water. A small amount of perc can contaminate a large amount of water and people can be exposed by drinking or using the water. EPA has a limit on the amount of perc that is allowed to be in drinking water. Well water can be tested to be sure it is below the EPA standard. Small amounts of perc in the water can be toxic to aquatic animals and can be stored in their fatty tissues.

Is It Safe to Live or Work Near a Dry Cleaning Business?

People who live or work in the same building as a dry cleaner can have greater potential for exposures to perc. High perc levels in residences would be of special concern for occupants who are at home a lot and might be exposed to perc for extended periods of time, such as the elderly, young children, or pregnant women. To address this issues, the EPA finalized a rule under the Clean Air Act in 2006 that requires operators to control perc emissions at individual dry cleaners. The rule includes a phase-out of perc use at dry cleaners located in residential buildings, along with requirements that already have reduced perc emissions at other dry cleaners.

The Esporta Wash System - The Eco-Friendly and Green Approach to Textile Restoration 

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. is a proud owner and operator of an Esporta Wash System. The Esporta Wash System does not use perc or other harmful chemicals during any part of the cleaning process. All of the detergents and disinfecting agents are natural and organic. They are completely safe for the environment and raise no concerns or health risks when emptied into the environment post wash.

In fact, it would be more dangerous for our environment if a can of soda was poured down a drain compared to what is emptied out of the Esporta Wash System after a wash cycle. Not only does the Esporta Wash System bring items back to pre-loss condition, the Esporta Wash System is able to restore a much larger range of items than a dry cleaner is capable of cleaning.

The Esporta Wash System uses organic products, hydraulic action of the machine, and a specific wash recipe designed to restore items from a leather jacket covered in mold to a stuffed animal covered in smoke/soot. The list of restorable items is endless! Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. is using their Esporta Wash System to change lives and is doing this all while keeping the environment safe.