Tips to Reduce the Risk of Fire

This time of year comes with fire risks.

Harrison Fire Department Training Officer Bryan Wheeler appeared on KHOZ's "Around The Table" on Wednesday to talk about risk reduction. Wheeler is with the department's community risk reduction team. He gave the following tips to reduce the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Annual flue cleaning - Wheeler said flues need to be cleaned once annually. Burning lots of green wood can lead to build up in chimneys and result in fires.

Don't overuse space heaters! Be careful - Wheeler explained that many people use space heaters, and they are good at giving off heat. However, he added that they come with danger. "Any kind of heating is one of the leading causes of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries," he said. It's the third cause of death by home fire. Users of space heaters should not put the heater close to sofas or anything combustible.

Wheeler said to unplug space heaters when they aren't in use and not to leave them plugged in overnight.

Be mindful of carbon monoxide - "It's often called the 'invisible killer,'" Wheeler said. It can't be seen or smelt. He explained that this becomes a problem when coal, wood and gasoline don't totally burn. Heating and cooking equipment can give off carbon monoxide; Wheeler suggests having a carbon monoxide detector. Batteries for any detector should be changed twice a year.

Put generators outside - Wheeler said generators are a source of carbon monoxide. They should not even sit in garages. The carbon monoxide can travel through return vents.

More safety information is online. The fire department is available by phone at 870-741-6384. More was discussed on the broadcast.

The full interview with Wheeler is on the "Around The Table" Facebook Page.