next articlefire safety in the garage and basement
A basement or garage can quickly become a fire hazard if it is cluttered with boxes, stacks of newspapers, rags or other flammable items. Dispose of household items which are not used. Other items should be properly stored as fire is less likely to start in a neatly organized storage area. An organized basement or garage also makes it easier for firefighters to reach the source of a fire without having to "fight" clutter blocking their path. Take the following steps for fire safety in your garage or basement.
1. Throw away any oily rags you do not need. If not, be sure to store them in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. This metal container should then be stored in a metal cabinet in the garage or basement. In addition to oil rags, paint, etc., it is strongly recommended that everyday cleaning products such as furniture and floor polishes and other flammable liquids also be stored in this metal cabinet.
2. Install furnaces, radiators and water heaters away from walls and ceilings. DO NOT store combustibles on or near these units. Be sure to keeps ducts and filters dust-free by cleaning several times a year with the unit shut off.
3. Store newspapers in a cool, dry place at least 1m (3ft) away from any sources generating heat. It is possible for newspapers to generate heat and ignite themselves, so avoid storing them in a warm, damp area.
4. NEVER try to start an automatic oil or gas furnace that does not seem to go on by opening it up and throwing a match into it. If your furnace won't start, call a professional maintenance person. It is recommended that oil and gas furnaces be inspected by a qualified service person prior to each heating season.
5. Check to make sure your heating equipment is listed by an approved testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), Canadian Gas Association (CGA) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
6. Keep the area surrounding a clothes dryer free of combustibles. Be sure to clean the lint screen before and after use. Never leave synthetic fabrics, plastics, rubber or foam in the dryer longer than the manufacturers recommended time. A dryer must be vented to outside and plugged into its own outlet.
7. Cover the ceiling above a basement furnace with plaster or plaster board. If the ceiling or walls near a furnace feel hot, contact your fire prevention office for advise.
8. The door at the head of the basement stairs should be tightly fitted and kept closed at night. If a fire were to break out in the basement during the night, this would limit the amount of heat and smoke rising to the upstairs rooms.