NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
October 26, 2000
Fall is a good time to inspect your home and farm buildings for fire hazards, says a North Dakota
State University safety specialist."Many fire hazards develop gradually over time," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "These fire hazards become increasingly dangerous as we enter the heating season due to the additional use of energy to maintain our personal comfort and well-being."
Start with the basement and utility rooms, Maher suggests. Remove accumulations of newspapers and magazines. "When these flammable materials are piled up in the home and other buildings, they could be additional fuel for a bad fire," he says.
Flammable liquids like solvents and cleaners should not be stored near open flames such as pilot lights on water heaters or sparks from electrical controls. It is best not to store them in the home at all. Those products should be stored with other petroleum products in a well-ventilated place where they will not be exposed to an open flame or electrical spark.
The electrical load on wall outlets should also be checked. It is not good practice to overload outlets with too many appliances such as radios, TV's and stereos. "The fuses or circuit breakers should protect you, but do you really want to trust all that you own to them?" he says. "The chance is not worth it."
Similarly, the use of electrical extension cords should be minimized as much as possible. Never place electrical cords under carpets or rugs. Electrical cords should never be placed in areas where they may be walked on or tripped over.
Farm buildings that have electrical service also need a checkup, Maher says. Look for wiring systems that may have deteriorated over time. The following are key clues.
Smoke alarms also need check-ups. Replace the battery every year at this time and run the alarm through a test cycle. "Does it actually work? You may never know unless you test it. If it does not work every time, replace it. The smoke alarm is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy," Maher says.
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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-7882
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629