WINTER SAFETY TIPS
HEATING EQUIPMENT SAFETY
OIL BURNERS
Many homes are heated by equipment using oil as a
fuel. Oil is an efficient way to
heat a home. Oil can also be used
to heat domestic hot water.
Oil burning equipment should
be maintained on a regular basis by qualified
oil burner technicians.
The following are some safety tips regarding oil heat:
· Have the burners serviced at regular intervals - AT LEAST once a year
· Never store flammable materials within five feet of oil burners
· Inspect oil lines at regular intervals for leaks
· Locate your emergency shut off switch. This is usually located near the cellar door or in a room that does not contain the oil burner.
·
Have the chimney inspected and serviced at regular intervals -
at least once a year.
In the
event that you ever discover smoke in your cellar, turn off the Oil Burner
Emergency switch if it is safe to do so, leave the house and call 9-1-1 from a
neighbor’s house.
Massachusetts General Laws require that all oil burner installations shall be done by persons possessing a valid Certificate as an Oil Burner Technician. Permits are also required from the Fire Department prior to any oil burner or oil tank installation. To ensure your safety, make sure that only competent oil burner technicians maintain and install your oil burning systems.
NATURAL
GAS/PROPANE
Natural gas and propane installations are regulated by the Plumbing and Gas Inspector (508) 485-0710 extension 3018.
The following are safety tips regarding natural gas and propane installations:
· Have the burners serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year
· Never store flammable materials within five feet of the units
· Locate your emergency shut off switch. This is usually located near the cellar door or in a room that does not contain the oil burner.
· Have the chimney inspected and serviced at regular intervals - at least once a year.
WARNING:
WOOD BURNING and PELLET STOVES
Has to be installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. A permit is required by the Building Inspector
HOLIDAY SAFETY
TREE SAFETY
NEVER use candles as decorations on trees
Keep tree away from heat
Never use a cut tree in a place of public assembly (school, restaurant, hotel lobby, etc.)
Water a cut tree daily
Use a "non-tip" style tree stand
Use only fire retardant decorations
Never leave a lit tree unattended
Artificial trees should have a fire retardant label
Dispose of your tree properly, soon after the holiday before needles dry out.
Unplug all lighting before retiring for the night or leaving the house
Purchase lights and electric decorations which are listed by an approved testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
Check all lighting for frayed wires, broken plugs, sockets, etc.
Never overload outlets. Use no more than three (3) strands of lights on a single extension cord
NEVER use candles on trees, near live or other flammable decorations
Never hang lights on a metallic tree
Always use appropriate weatherproof lights outdoors.
Candles of all types are responsible for starting a large number of fires each year. Click here for more information on candle fire safety.
SPECIAL SEASONAL DECORATION REQUIREMENTS IN PUBLIC ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES
The Massachusetts Building Code (780 CMR) defines an assembly occupancy as:
“All
structures which are designed or occupied for the gathering together of persons
for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions, recreation, food or
drink consumption or awaiting transportation” (780CMR 303.1).
The
Southborough Fire Department is reminding all owners/operators of places of
public assembly within Southborough of the requirements for decorations, as well
as special seasonal decorations.
This will ensure that you are aware of these safety regulations. In light
of the devastating fire in West Warwick, RI, where 100 people were killed and
nearly 200 were injured, complete compliance is required and will be strictly
enforced so that the patrons, visitors, and parishioners that use your facility
can be assured of a safe visit.
Massachusetts
Fire Prevention Regulations prohibit the use of Flammable Decorations in places
of public assembly (527CMR 21.00). Such flammable decorations include:
“All
materials such as scenery, plastic shields, streamers, and also cloth, cotton
batting, straw, vines, leaves, trees and moss used for decorative effect, bamboo
and other wood fibers, cardboard and other paper products.”
The
regulation also prohibits the use of cut Christmas Trees, pine boughs, and the
like.
The regulations allow for ”Special Seasonal Decorations” under certain restrictions. Such restrictions are:
“When it can be shown to the head of the fire department that generic materials such as cardboard, paper or textiles can meet the requirements” of the regulation “when treated with a flame-retardant process, those specific generic materials shall not be required to have specific testing and certification.”
However:
“The end user shall apply for a permit from the head of the fire department for the use of Special Seasonal Decorations.”
The
cost of the permit is $25, and includes a safety inspection.
Should
you have any questions regarding the regulation, please feel free to contact the
Fire Prevention Officer at (508) 485-3235, or via e-mail.
Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season from the members of the Southborough Fire Department
ICE & COLD WATER SAFETY
Each year, many residents are injured from exposure in cold water incidents. Skaters and ice fishermen fall through the ice; boaters and canoeists overturn their crafts.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, each year there are over 7,000 drownings and 20,000 near-drownings in the United States. Over half of these incidents occur in cold water, (water less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
HOW THICK IS SAFE ICE?
Ice on moving water in rivers, streams and brooks is never safe. The thickness of ice on ponds and lakes depends upon water currents or springs, depth and natural objects such as tree stumps or rocks. Daily changes in temperature cause the ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength. Because of these factors, no one can declare the ice to be absolutely "safe".
THE ONLY "SAFE" ICE IS AT A SKATING ARENA
The M.D.C. reservoir system, which is located in Southborough is NEVER considered to be safe. It is also ILLEGAL to trespass in the water and ice.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF SOMEONE FALLS THROUGH THE ICE?
Act Quickly and call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Make sure properly trained and equipped rescue personnel are alerted to respond.
DO NOT go out onto the ice. Many times would-be rescuers become victims themselves.
Reach, Throw, or Row. Extend a branch, pole or ladder to the victim. Throw them a buoyant object such as a life ring or float tied to a rope. If a boat is nearby row out to the victim or push it toward them.
HOW COLD IS COLD WATER?
Any water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F) is by definition "cold water"
Cold water drains away body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air!
Cold water does not have to be icy, it just has to be colder than you are to cause hypothermia.
The lower the temperature of the water, the faster the onset of hypothermia.
WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?
Hypothermia is the excessive lowering of body temperature. A drop n core temperature below 95 degrees F., causes shivering, confusion, loss of muscle strength, and if not treated and reversed leads to unconsciousness and death.
Safety experts estimate that half of all drowning victims die from the fatal effects of hypothermia and cold water, not the fatal effects from water filled lungs!