As we are experiencing warming weather patterns in Maryland, we must prepare for storms that can cause disruption in electrical service to our homes. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is cautioning residents when using alternative light and electrical sources when experiencing power outages. "These easy to follow tips will help all Marylanders avoid injury or death during power outages," said the State Fire Marshal.
Use flashlights during power outages instead of candles. Keep plenty of fresh batteries on hand at all times.
If using candles, make sure they are placed on a stable piece of furniture in sturdy holders that will not tip over. Candles should fit in the holders securely and holders should be made of material that will not burn.
Keep candles away from items that can catch fire such as; clothing, books, papers, curtains, combustible decorations or anything else that can burn.
Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by children or pets.
Always extinguish all candles when leaving the room or before going to sleep.
Never use candles if medical oxygen therapy is used in the home.
If you are depending on portable generators for electricity during power outages, use extreme caution when refueling. Fuel splashed on a hot muffler could ignite, causing severe burns and serious injuries.
Never attempt to refuel a generator while it is running. Always allow the unit to cool before attempting to refuel.
Operate generators outside of the home and outside of garages. Carbon monoxide gas produced by operating generators is poisonous and can quickly cause severe injury or death.
Ensure placement of the generator does not allow carbon monoxide to enter the home through windows, doors or other openings.
If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Stay off corded phones, computers and other electronic equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity and plumbing.
Additionally, the State Fire Marshal urges all Marylanders with buildings and homes constructed between the years of 1989 – 2009 that have Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) installed, to have the tubing checked for proper bonding/grounding. Marylanders are encouraged to have these systems checked by a qualified and licensed electrician, plumber and/or gasfitter. CSST is a flexible metal gas tubing used in many homes and buildings since 1989. It typically has a yellow outer covering and is used to supply natural gas or propane to furnaces, water heaters and/or other gas appliances. Lightning strikes on or around a structure have been shown to cause an electrical current to travel into the structure and upon reaching the CSST tubing, when not properly bonded/grounded, has in some cases caused a perforation in the sidewall of the tubing as it arcs outward seeking for a ground. This arcing can ignite the pressurized gas leaking from the perforation and in some cases has caused a significant fire. Costs associated with performance of these services vary between service companies. It is suggested to compare prices for this service before selecting a company to perform a safety check of your system.
The following link may be used as a guide:
• http://thecuttingedgellc.com/downloads/CES_Bonding_Guidelines.pdf
The following links may be consulted in order to determine the manufacturer’s installation requirements:
• www.wardmfg.com
• www.gastite.com
• www.tracpipe.com
• www.parker.com/literature/Parflex/4660-PGP2T_September_2007_web.pdf
• www.tru-flex.com
• www.metalfab.com
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto their website at: www.firemarshal.state.md.us and/or follow them on Facebook under "Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal."
*This information is being disseminated with permission from the Maryland State Fire Marshal.*
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