Get ready for winter
Fire marshal shares tips
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

Friday night football games and dewy grass in the mornings are sure signs that fall has arrived.

Although autumn usually does not bring frigid temperatures to Central Texas, most residents realize the cold snap of winter can't be too far in the future.

Lampasas Fire Marshal Reece Oestreich has encouraged homeowners to take precautions when preparing for colder temperatures, even now as Fire Prevention Safety Month is observed.

"Now is the time to clean out flues in chimneys," said Oestreich. "Be sure birds haven't built nests in there, and make sure there is no buildup of soot."

The fire marshal noted the importance of cleaning chimneys before they are used for the winter. He recommended professional chimney sweeps be employed to clear out any debris.

"Some people use wads of paper to start a fire in their fireplace. The paper can stick to the walls of the chimney, and after a period of time it gets caked. It can be very hazardous," he said.

A chimney fire can fill the inside of a house with smoke.

Never leave a fire unattended in the fireplace, he added. Extinguish the blaze before leaving the house or going to bed.

Oestreich also encouraged those with wood-burning stoves to be sure the equipment is made ready for the winter season.

Check furnaces and move combustibles away from anything that gives off heat or flames, or that could spark a fire.

Never use the kitchen oven to heat a home, said Oestreich. "It is not only a fire hazard, but it also can give off toxic fumes."

Smoke detector batteries should be changed at least once a year, and now is a good time to do so while preparing for the change in weather, he added.

The local Fire Department has free smoke detectors for lowincome and elderly residents. Personnel can install them, or detectors may be picked up at the fire station.

"If you heat with a gas stove, be sure it is cleaned of cobwebs and dust," Oestreich said. "Check that the shut-off valve is working properly."

The fire marshal suggested placing safety guards around wood-burning stoves to keep children from hurting themselves. It is also a good idea for fireplace screens to be used to keep embers from igniting carpet or other items, he said.

And Oestreich recommended that anyone who uses natural gas or propane as a home-heating source purchase a carbon monoxide detector. They are relatively inexpensive, he noted.

"Put a detector in the hallway near bedrooms," he said. "Carbon monoxide is very dangerous and can be deadly if it is not detected.

"Anyone with questions on winter safety can phone us at the Fire Department. As one of our services to the community, we will provide a free fire safety check for residents," he said.

The department can be reached at 556-3446.