Middletown Fire Dept. Gives These Important Fire Safety Tips

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — As the Northeast reels from two devastating and massive fatal fires — one in Philadelphia that killed 12 people and eight children, and another last weekend in the Bronx that killed 19 (including nine children) and was started by a space heater — the Middletown Township Fire Marshal released these tips Monday to keep people safe:

"Middletown Township Fire Marshal Buddy Skelly, Middletown Township Fire Chief Bernard Chenoweth and members of both respective agencies want to extend their deepest and heartfelt condolences to all the families who suffered catastrophic losses in New York City and Philadelphia," said the firefighters.

"Fires such as these with the number of human fatalities associated, remind us of the importance fire safety precautions where we live and work."

What you need to know about house fires:

Close doors behind you. As you are running out of a burning room, close the door! Know that fires can and will break out in homes. If you are unable to safely put out the fire, get out of the home quickly and call 911. However, you must close the door to the room where the fire originated. Fires feed on oxygen and open doors only feed the flames.

"Closed doors can and will prevent smoke and fire from rapid spread and will buy precious time which can aid in your escape and if needed rescue," said Middletown Fire Marshal Skelly.

Closing doors behind you is especially important in apartment buildings.

Make sure you have smoke alarms: Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be in every home and business. These devices should be in good working order and checked regularly.

Space Heaters:

Kerosene Heaters are illegal in all but one- and two-family homes in New Jersey. Use manufacturer-recommended fuel only. Store fuel and always refill outdoors. Keep heater three feet away from everything. Never move it while in use. Keep pets and small children away.

Wood & Coal Stoves: Use only seasoned wood or coal in the respective stove type.

Dispose of ash in an approved covered container, outdoors and away from the home by at least 15 feet. Check flue pipes and clean all chimneys annually. DO NOT use lighter fluid or flammable liquid to light a fire. Keep stove door closed and use a fire screen.

Electric Heaters: Check for independent lab approval and a “tip switch” that would shut off the appliance if it is moved. Exposed element heaters are being phased out. Look for UL approved self-contained fluid heat transfer units. Keep heater away from flammables, including curtains, shag rug and clothing. Keep on a level hardwood or vinyl surface.

Plug an electric heater directly into an approved wall receptacle. If an extension cord is necessary,
only use UL approved extension cord and monitor regularly for heat to the touch. Unplug immediately if any cord is hot to the touch.

Have a plan! Know what to do if you experience a fire. Have at least two means of getting out of a home and be sure they are clear and unobstructed (from snow). The plan needs to be discussed with all the members of each household.

Pick a quiet time on a weekend or after school to discuss with your spouse and children what you all will do when there is a fire. Discuss how you will all calmly follow the plan and get out safely when a fire occurs.

If you rent, please purchase renter’s insurance. This very inexpensive insurance has proven to be an incredible asset to anyone who has suffered a fire loss.

"Again, on behalf of the membership of the Middletown Township Fire Marshal’s Office and Middletown Township Fire Department, we pray for all those affected by these recent tragedies and know that we are here to serve the citizens of our community."

Any questions, please call the Middletown Fire Marshal’s Office 732-615-2272.

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