PORTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

All Roads lead to Porter Fire Department but Safety Starts with You!

Do you know how to use a Fire Extinguisher? To help you remember these four actions use the word "PASS"

Before you start make sure that you understand the operating instructions of you extinguisher.

Pull the pin.

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze or pump the handle.

Sweep from side to side at the base of the flame

Home heating fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes and the leading cause of home fires in the winter months. In Texas, heating equipment is the fifth leading cause of one- and two-family dwelling fires.

Here are some tips for preventing portable heating equipment fires.

Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that might burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets, and people.

Turn these heaters off when you aren't in the room or when you go to sleep. Don't leave children and pets alone or unsupervised in rooms where space heaters are in use.

Make sure that everyone knows how dangerous it is to dry clothing over these heaters or place combustible materials near them.

Before using electric space heaters for the first time each season, check for fraying or splitting wires and overheating. If there are problems, have them fixed by a professional, or buy a new heater.

Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets; don't use extension cords. And don't overload electrical outlets.

Many Texas households use space and wall heaters that burn propane or natural gas. When using these heaters, the State Fire Marshal's Office recommends the following practices:

Make sure there is an adequate air supply. Home heaters must have an air supply; without it,
they may produce carbon monoxide. If you are using an unvented space heater without an
oxygen depletion sensor, keep a window or door slightly open.

Make sure that pilot lights are working properly. If your heater has a pilot light and you can't keep
it lit, or if the control is hard to operate, have it repaired. All inspections and repairs should be
made by trained, licensed service technicians.

Turn off the heater(s) (1) If you smell fumes, your eyes sting, or if you feel dizzy or nauseated; (2)
If there is a yellow or fluttering flame; (3) If the vent isn't properly.