December 5, 2007 - State Fire Marshal Andy Neumann warns families to take steps to avoid cooking and heating-related incidents, which are the leading cause of residential structure fires in Michigan, accounting for almost 30% of the state's total reported structure fires.

 "With the holidays approaching, warm, cozy homes and holiday feasts play a major role in our preparations for family gatherings. But it also increases the risks for fire," Neumann said. "These fires can be prevented and losses reduced by simply following a few simple safety precautions."

Neumann said to pay particular attention while cooking, especially when using oils and grease. Other tips include: 

• Cooking appliances should be kept clean of grease build-up, which can easily ignite. 
• Applying a lid to a small grease fire is usually the most effective and safest method of controlling it. Never carry a pan that's on fire as it may ignite clothes, or spill, causing severe burns. 
• If the fire is inside your oven, turn off the heat and leave the door closed to cut off the fire's air supply. 
• Young children should be kept away from cooking appliances to prevent any mishaps. It's always a good idea to use back burners when possible and keep pot handles turned to the inside so they won't be pulled or knocked over. 
• Check stoves and other appliances before going to bed or leaving your home to make sure that the units are left in the "off" position. 
• With the increased popularity of turkey frying, the National Fire Protection Agency and the National Burn Foundation warn consumers and discourage the use of turkey fryers. Tests have shown that many of the fryers have a risk of tipping over, overheating, or spilling hot oil, leading to fires and burns. The suggested alternative is to have a commercial professional prepare the turkey.

Many people choose to use natural cut trees to decorate their homes. Beautiful decorations are traditional in the lives of Michiganders, but it is important to know that these decorations lead to added fire risks if safety precautions are not followed. 

• When decorating for the holidays, guard against blocking exit doors with Christmas trees or decorations that could interfere with being able to escape in the event of a fire. 
• Natural cut trees should be secured in a sturdy tree-stand to prevent falling or being knocked over. Only use "cool lamp" holiday lights for inside decorations that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 
• Before stringing lights, check for loose connections, broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires or places where bare wire is exposed. 
• Damaged sets of lights should be discarded. 
• Always remember to disconnect decorative lights when you leave your home or retire for the evening. 
• Christmas trees should be freshly cut and placed in water the entire time the tree is inside your home. 
• Dispose of your tree when the needles begin to brown or fall in large quantities. This is a sign that the tree is dangerously dry.

 "Candles, another potential hazard, especially during the holiday season, are a growing cause of home fires - and home fire deaths," warns Neumann. "Open flames can easily ignite nearby materials, spreading fire throughout your home in a matter of minutes. Fire is fast - that's why every home should have a working smoke alarm and a planned and practiced exit plan."

If you use candles, pay close attention to a few simple rules: 

• Place candles on stable furniture in sturdy holders that won't tip over and that are big enough to collect dripping wax.  Use a glass safety globe around candles to protect them from contact with combustibles. 
• Keep candles away from things that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains or decorations. 
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. 
• Discard taper and pillar candles when they get within two inches of the holder or decorative material. Discard votive and filled candles before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt. 
• Never put candles in windows or near doorways where drafts could bring flammable materials in contact with the open flame. 
• Avoid using candles for light sources during power outages. 
• Always stay in the room where candles are being burned.

As we enter into the colder months of the year, typically November through February, heating related safety is of utmost concern. The majority of fire deaths occur during these four months and they are often related to inadequate heating systems or the improper use of heating systems. Following general safety guidelines can help keep your home and family safe.

ELECTRIC HEATERS 

• Electric heaters should have automatic safety switches to turn them off if tipped over. 
• They also should carry the UL approval label. 
• Be sure to check cords before plugging in the heater. If frayed, worn, or broken, do not use. Either replace the heater or have an electrician replace the cord. Just putting tape on the cord is not enough to prevent overheating and fire. 
• Never use extension cords with portable heaters. To supply a heater with a small, ordinary household extension cord will cause the cord to overheat and burn. Keep all materials that can burn at least 36 inches away from unit.

KEROSENE HEATERS 

• Many kerosene heater related fires are attributed to the misuse or abuse of the device. Get started on the right foot by purchasing a heater that carries the UL label. This means it has been tested for safety. 
• Be sure it has an automatic safety switch to shut it off if it's tipped over. 
• An automatic starter eliminates the need for matches and makes for safer starts. 
• A fuel gauge will help ensure you do not overfill the heater dangerously. 
• A safety grill on the front can prevent accidental contact burns. 
• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly. 
• Use only crystal-clear 1K kerosene; never use yellow or contaminated kerosene or any other fuel. Fill it only outside. Kerosene should be stored outside in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is clearly marked for kerosene. 
• When using kerosene heaters, be sure the room is well ventilated. Opening a door to an adjoining room or area may be enough. Better yet, slightly open a window in the room.

WOOD HEATERS Wood stoves and other wood burning devices are popular heating systems. Before investing in one for your home, think as much about safety as you will about ease of use, efficiency and appearance. 

• Have your stove installed by a professional. 
• Keep a tight-fitting screen or glass door in front of the stove or fireplace at all times. 
• Special retaining screens can keep children and pets away from wood stoves and prevent burns. Dispose of ashes in metal containers, never in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or plastic wastebaskets. Soak ashes with water to cool them thoroughly. Remember, ashes can retain enough heat to cause a fire for several days, so take no chances. 
• Although these tips should help prevent a fire, know the signs of danger. A loud roar, sucking sounds and shaking pipes mean trouble and danger. If you hear these sounds, get everyone out of the house. Quickly shut off the fire's air supply by closing any air intake vents in the firebox. Close the damper. Call the fire department from a nearby phone. 
• Keep any heater at least three feet away from anything that might burn. This means curtains, walls, furniture, papers, etc. 
• To avoid injury and other mishaps, keep children and pets away from heaters.
• ALWAYS REMEMBER, don't try to get a small device to do a big job. For best results, direct the heat from a portable heater where you want it. It won't heat an entire room. Focus the heat where you need it - but not so close it can cause fires or burns.

Working smoke alarms should be a priority at any time of year. This is a great time to test your alarms to make sure they are working.

 "With the use of modern technology, many communities in the United States are taking safety a step further by installing residential sprinkler systems. These systems quickly control the fire causing little or no damage, preventing the loss of life and property," Neumann added.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.