Due to recent residential fires, the Henderson Fire Department will be going door-to-door to provide home fire safety tips for residents.
Beginning December 10, 2009, fire department personnel will be going door to door to talk to residents in the City of Henderson about fire safety. The fire department encourages citizens to review the information that will be left with their families and make necessary plans to safely heat their homes before cold weather arrives.
Higher fuel costs may result in people seeking less expensive methods for heating. Some of these methods could include the use of fireplaces or electric heaters. While these methods are safe, many residents may have not used these sources in years. This creates a situation conducive to a large number of house fires this heating season. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for 30% of the home heating fires and 73% of home heating fire deaths in 2006.
“Alternative methods of heating, such as a fireplace or the misuse of portable electric heaters could lead to fires resulting in an increased loss of life and greater property damage.” explains Chief Daniel E. Wilkerson of the Henderson Fire Department. “We encourage our residents to use caution as they stay warm during this heating season.”
In addition to protecting lives through education, the Henderson Fire Department will be recording address information to be stored in computer software. This software will be used to improve emergency response.
For questions about safe home heating this winter, please contact the Henderson Fire Department at 252-438-7315.