Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department

Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department

Serving Caribou, Maine since 1883.

Heating Systems

Heating Systems

Oil

Cold weather means many residents will be turning on heating systems that have not been used since spring. Before this happens, check your system and chimney. This will insure your safety and also save you money.

Make sure to regularly check the following:

  • Chimney & condition – call a Chimney Sweep.
  • Check Air Filters – the filters should be changed yearly and whenever they get dirty and start blocking air flow.
  • Check and change fuel filters on your oil tank.
  • Get a professional to check the electrodes on your oil burner gun. The proper setting will save you money in fuel.

Wood

Replace flue pipe as needed. Clean inside flue pipe on wood stove.

Be sure the stove is installed per manufacturers instructions. Improper installation could void your fire insurance.

Use clean, dry wood. Never use liquid fuel to light a fire in your wood stove.

Wall Heaters

Wall heaters should be checked for proper ignition and proper ventilation. Soot or black marks on the wall can mean that the burner jets are dirty or not adjusted to burn the fuel properly. This means higher amounts of carbon monoxide are being created. Without ventilation to the outside, carbon monoxide fumes accumulate in the home. A flushed face or a slight headache can be the first sighs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If this happens get everyone outside and call 911 from a neighbors house.

Portable Heaters

Portable heaters can be very hazardous and are known to cause fires when positioned too close to combustible material. The Caribou Fire & Ambulance only recommends the use of portable heaters that have factory approved automatic turn off / tip over switches. Make sure small children cannot get near portable heaters as they are very hot. Never leave a space heater on when you go to bed or leave the house.

Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene heaters need very special attention. They become very hot; use up oxygen in the room that they are being used. We have had a number of fires started from the improper use of kerosene heaters.

Be extremely careful to use only Grade A fuel and fill only after heater has cooled off. Store fuel outside of home.

Charcoal Briquettes and Barbecues

Charcoal briquettes and barbecues should never be used for cooking or heating inside a home or any other closed area. They quickly fill a closed space with carbon monoxide fumes!