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PAGE 18 • PLAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10,1980 Fire Chiefs View Wood Stoves The McHenry county fire chiefs urge the public to check wood-burning stoves for proper installation and to operate and maintain wood- burning stoves to prevent the tragic losses that have already taken the lives of 16 Illinois residents during the last two months. The recent increase in wood-burning stoves to heat homes has created fire problems throughout the state. Heating with wood with modern, high-quality wood stoves can be efficient, comfortable, convenient, economical and a great way to keep warm. But wood stoves can be hazardous and can cause a fire or explosion if they are: improperly installed and used; not kept in safe con­ dition; or treated carelessly. For example, ceiling or walls may overheat if stove is too close; falling sparks may burn floor; too much wood in stove may burn out of control; sparks escaping from chimney top may burn roof; creosote buildup may lead to chimney fire; sparks or flames escaping from faulty chimney may ignite walls. The results include injury, damage to or loss of home and property, and the most tragic - death. You can be safe if you know how to choose, install, operate and maintain a wood stove. Choosing A Stove - Select a safe stove with a label from a nationally r e c o g n i z e d t e s t i n g laboratory. Material - Life-span of stove depends on its materials. - cast iron and steel plate; safest, most durable, but cost more. - barrel and sheet metal; cheaper, but may eventually burn through. Quality of Construction - A well built stove has safety features: - door gaskets; air tight; - joints: sealed; - firebox: lined with brick, cast iron; - latch: secure; - draft control: to regulate the fire. Size ~ Stove should fit space to be heated. - too small: might burn too hot, weakening stove. - too large: might burn too cool, causing creosote buildup. Installation •• Installation isn't a job for novices. Get expert help. Ask your fire- building inspector about safety guidelines and local regulations. Have your in­ stallation checked. Follow manufacturer's instructions. Read the owner's manual. Notify your insurance company. Installation may have to meet certain safety standards; policy may be void if this isn't done. 1 - Choose right location. Central location is best for even distribution of heat. Stove should be away from stairs (heat will rise up­ stairs). Never put stove in alcove or closet. Don't block exits or hallways. 2 - Have proper clearance. Protect Walls: Stove must be at least 36" away from anything that can bum, 60" from combustibles. Stove can be 18" away or less from wall if wall is fireproof brick, concrete, etc. or shielded with V4" asbestos board, 28- gauge sheet metal, or both, with 1V«j inches air space behind. Protect Floor: Stove must be at least 18" above floor, and have fireproof pad underneath which extends at least 12 inches around all sides of stove, 18 inches beyond fire door. Floor pad can be made of concrete; mortar, brick or stone (at least 4" thick); precut asbestos millboard (at least Vt" thick) covered with 24- gauge sheet metal' or ap­ proved stoveboard. 3 - Install Stovepipe Safely. - Use steel stovepipe, at least 24-gauge thick. Secure each joint with at least three screws. - Never pass pipe through ceiling. > - Stovepipe should be easily reached for in­ specting, cleaning, etc. - Connect pipe to chimney. Either cement pipe to it, or have a tile or metal thimble (sleeve) installed and fit pipe tightly into that. - Keep pipe as short as possible, if more than 6 feet long, support it securely. - Use no more than two elbows. Horizontal part must rise at least V4" per foot. - Install damper in pipe to control amount of air drawn into stove. - If pipe must pass through unprotected wall, install a thimble (metal cylinder). Diameter should be three times pipe diameter. - Pipe should be at least 18" from ceiling and walls. Operation 1. Put 2 inches sand or ashes in stove to protect stove bottom; keep floor cool. 2. Don't let stove overheat. A too-strong draft can cause a dangerously hot fire. 3. Don't let fire burn too low. A too-low draft will cause incomplete burning and dangerous creosote buildup. 4. You must keep the fire under control at all times by adjusting the dampers and air inlets to regulate the amount of air entering the stove. Wood Stove Safety Tips - Don't get burned. Keep children and pets away from hot stove. Use potholders to remove pans, open stove doors. - Keep fire tools handy. WHO KNOWS? 1. What is a crumpet? 2. Name the longest river in the world. 3. What does the name of the State of Oklahoma mean? 4. What ex-president organized the University of Virginia? 5. What city in the United States is referred to as "the birthplace of the na­ tion"? 6. Whertf is the largest airport located? 7. When did Admiral Richard E. Byrd reach the South Pole? 8. When did 18-year-olds cast their first votes? 9. President Kennedy was assassinated on No­ vember 22, in what year? 10.Who originated Poor Richard's Almanac? Answers To Who Knows 1. A thin muffin, toasted for eating. 2. The Amazon. 3. It is the Choctaw word for "red people:" 4. Thomas Jefferson. Philadelphia, Penn. Atlanta, Georgia. November 29, 1929. November 2, 1971. 1963. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.Benjamin Franklin. Your Week Ahead Horoscope Forecast Period: 12/14-12/20/80 ARIES Mail from afar brings cheering news. You Mar. 21-Apr. 19 might feel in the mood for a long trip after all . TAURUS Material security needs put a curb on spend- Apr. 20-May 20 ing habits. Holding the purse strings so tight makes a loved one unhappy. GEMINI A change of scenery -- temporary though it May 21-June 20 is -- brings a refreshing new outlook to the old familiar things. CANCER Employment responsibilit ies have a way of June 21 -July 22 interfering with a festive celebration. Balance your energies between duty and frivolity. LEO A magnetic charm surrounds you and the July 23-Aug. 22 opposite sex finds you very appealing. Over confidence could trip you up. VIRGO Real estate dealings are best left until after Aug. 23-Sept. 22 the holidays. Acquisitions at this t ime would be unsatisfactory. LIBRA Putting your ideas forth forcefully causes Sept. 23-Oct. 22 others to think vnu know what you want and intend to go after it . SCORPIO You may be concerned about tuition for next Ocl. 23-Nov. 21 year's classes. Not to worry! Creative inspir­ ation points the way. SAGITTARIUS Others see the dynamic side of your person- Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ality and know they are in the presence of a poised, confident individual. CAPRICORN Inhibitions seem to vanish and you are able Dec. 22-Jan. 19 to utilize your inner resources in a construc­ tive leadership role. AQUARIUS People of status gravitate to your circle of Jan. 20-Eeb. 18 friends, and are eager to join in your human­ itarian efforts. PISCES It 's t ime to get your thoughts away from Feb. 19-Mar. 20 professional matters and enjoy the holiday recess with family and friends. Keep away anything that can burn: don't store wood near or under stove; don't dry wood on stove; keep curtains, clothing, etc., well away. - Open a burning stove carefully: flames could puff out at you; embers could drop to floor; remember to secure latch when done. - Burn seasoned wood. Dry wood stored for a year gives more heat and forms less creosote. - Don't burn trash or garbage • it will damage pipe, stove, chimney. - Empty ashes regularly: put them outside in a metal container with tight cover and let them cool before throwing out. - Check ceilings and walls: If they're too hot to touch, there is danger! Maintenance Check chimeny regularly - at least once a year. All wood stoves cause some creosote buildup. A cold chimney, slow fire and green wood make it worse. Scrape creosote off chimney using chains or a burlap sack wired to a long pole. Take flue apart, if possible, to clean. Check Chimeny : Fire can spread through chimney through cracks, loose mortar, flue caps into wall partitions or onto the roof. Fire Protection 1. Smoke Detectors: In­ stall smoke detectors (UL approved) at crucial areas in your home. Maintain them to prevent malfunctions. 2. Home Escape Plan: - Draw a floor plan of your house. Indicate doors, w i n d o w s , b e d r o o m s , stairways, ledges and roofs. Mark exits and alternate escape routes. - Teach everyone how to respond in case of a real fire. a. Sound alarm and get out! b. Feel door - if it's hot, or smoke is coming through, keep door closed and use an alternate escape route. c. Remember to crawl under smoke. d. Everyone should meet at the pre-determined meeting location and never go back into a burning house. - Hold fire drills regularly. Keepin' Healthy m I told Santa...4'All I want for Christmas is lower prices, enough energy and a promising future. And Santa said, "Ho! Ho! Ho!" When the time comes to choose a nursing home, it is usually done in a crisis situation. Few people plan for retirement to a nursing home; few people are even aware that there are dif­ ferent kinds of nursing homes. A nursing home should be chosen on the basis of the patient's needs. Your physician can best decide whether the patient should enter a skilled nursing, an intermediate care, or a sheltered care facility. Once that decision has been made, the Illinois Department of Public Health advises you to make a list of those nursing homes in your area that meet the patient's specific needs. Your doctor can suggest some homes, but you may also wish to consult your clergyman, the local health department, senior citizens groups, relatives and friends. When you have narrowed your list down to the facilities that provide the services needed, make appointments with the ad­ ministrators for late- morning visits. Spend at least an hour inspecting the physical condition of each facility. Be particularly alert for potential hazardo. There should be handrails in hallways and grab bars in bathrooms. Chairs should be sturdy enough not to tip. There should be no throw rugs or small area rugs, nor should there be small objects on the floor over which a patient could trip. Ask to see the home's last fire safety inspection. A home that has not been cleared for fire safety within the year should be marked off your list. Inspect the kitchen while the noon meal is being prepared. Does it meet your standards for cleanliness? Is the food selection healthful? Does it look and taste ap­ petizing? The state health depart­ ment's regulations require each bedroom to have a window and a door that opens into a corridor. Each resident should have a nurse call bell, a drapery for privacy, and a reading light. There should be room enough to maneuver a wheelchair. Probably the best in­ dication of the suitability of the home will be the residents themselves Ask for their opinion of the home. Do most of the residents seem alert? Are they in­ volved in group activities? Are they well groomed? Make a checklist before you begin your visits to the nursing homes, and use it for comparison purposes. If you have further questions about selecting a nursing home, write to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Public In­ formation Office, 525 W. Jefferson, Springfield, 111., 62761. aanrVnuRr rtfer from HISTORY'S SCRAPBOOK DATES AND EVENTS FROM YESTERYEARS December 11, 1041 -- United States declares war on Germany and Italy, 3 days after similar declaration against Japan. December 12, 1W7 -- Rudolph Dirks' cartoon "The Katzen- jammer Kids" appear for the 1st time, in supplement of New York Sunday Journal. December 13,1951 -- Organization of American States founded, as the 14th of 21 American republics ratifies the charter. December 14, 1903 -- For 3 Vi seconds, Wilbur Wright flies an airplane down the side of Kill Devil Hill on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. December 15, 1944 -- Plane carrying bandleader Glenn Miller reported missing on flight from London to Paris. December 16, 1620 -- Mayflower drops anchor in Plymouth harbor and 1st passengers come ashore. December 17, 1936 -- Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his wise­ cracking dummy "Charlie McCarthy" make their national radio debut. Whiter Is That For Good Cltras Supply When buying oranges, look for firm, heavy fnrit with fresh, bright-looking, reasonably smooth skin. Avoid light-weight oranges, those with rough or dull, dry skin and those with a spongy texture. In tangerines, look for deep yellow * or orange color and bright luster. Avoid tangerines that are pale yellow or greenish and those that have punctured skin or soft spots. Avoid grapefruit with dis­ colored or water-soaked areas or with a dull, soft, tender peel that breaks easily with finger pressure. Buy only the citrus fruits that you can use or store without waste and watch for spoilage. Never pinch fruit in the store because the cost of fruit dam­ aged by handling is passed on to you through higher prices. • • • • God moves for the good of the world when the good people of the world move in the same direction. * • * * It is easier to spend money than to save it and this explains why so many have so little to spend. xf& e&4cti 4 USAN HOE F O R M 1 N K W O M F N MEN'S & WOMEN'S Casuals MEN'S & WOMEN'S Dress Shoes 20% TO30% OFF 10% TO20% OFF Mens Slippers * 10 - *16 *35 - $48 $49 - $65 Ladies Handbags .. . ̂ 1 1 &Up Winter Boots Wm. Western Boots Christmas Store Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 - 8:30 PM Saturday - 9:00 - 5:00 PM Sunday 10-4 PM *Christmas Gift Certificates are Available At Your Request •We Carry Totes Did you receive our December Coupon Special in the mail? If not, please call for Money Saving Details 1 M C H I N R Y , I L L . c ChrHtmas at pDOQC m ||- II T iT ~n « TT_UL _ T - u 1 i ' V ' g - ' i r n r iT- j r* rt " » " l" _ r_ - ~ . 0 7 T ~ j T r ~ V I T -- T " _ ? - r _ r |. I • ,1 I' fi ,i (> v it w >' H • H it jj fi i( 1 1 N *L_M j! n • II l! hjj !•« win i§i ifi »«i rgi in \i\ \ii llff CAREER CLUB- Lustrous Tone-On-Tone It's the right shirt for every occasion. Luxurious tone-on-tone satin dobbies and stripings in white or pastel solid colors. Superbly tailored by Career Club in a silky blend of Dacron® polyester and cotton. Permanent press, of course! For a fresh new look this season, turn to Career Club. Come in today for best selection. From 1790 JASMAR Original Style A patented waistband makes Sansabelt the most comfortable pair of slacks you can wear. And the best fitting. The exclusive triple stretch webbing is. guaranteed for the life of the slacks. It makes sure that you always look trim. Choose Sansabelt from an exciting selection of styles. In just the color, pat­ tern and fabric you're looking for. Come in today and try on the one and only Sansabelt. From 36" Classic Holiday Wear We have an outstanding collection of Fall suits with a classic country look . . . and in a contemporary fabric for that "extra" comfort you want. Palm Beach Country Coordinates combine authentic country styling, expert tailoring.and a good looking, comfortable fit. The fabric is a fashionable and functional blend of DuPont's Dacron plus polyester and wool. Add to the picture handsome detailing, and you're off to the start of a fine wardrobe with your first Country Coordinate Purchase. _ .... From $170 U»nn«iiidn.)m?iiT^Er-~ CHRISTMAS GIFT CERTIFICATES & LAY AW AYS AVAILABLE I Free Gift Wrapping ^hriHtnphpr'H MEN'S WEAR 3902 W. MAIN STREET MCHENRY, ILLINOIS 60050 (815) 385 4060 """"""CHRISTMAS HOURS Sundays 10 to 4 Mon. - Fri.9toB:30 Saturday 9 to 5