Fire Safety Topics
1. Heating Equipment: Ensure all heating equipment, such as space heaters and fireplaces, are in good working condition. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.
2. Fireplaces and Wood Stoves: Have your chimney and vents inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
3. Space Heaters: Use space heaters with an automatic shut-off feature. Place them on a flat, solid surface and never leave them unattended.
5. Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
8. Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors. Inspect cords for damage and replace any frayed or worn cords.
9. Emergency Plan: Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family. Ensure everyone knows at least two ways out of each room and where to meet outside.
Winter Home Fire Safety Message
As the winter season sets in, it's important to stay warm and safe. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid home fires during the colder months:
1. Heating Equipment: Ensure all heating equipment, such as space heaters and fireplaces, are in good working condition. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.
2. Fireplaces and Wood Stoves: Have your chimney and vents inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
3. Space Heaters: Use space heaters with an automatic shut-off feature. Place them on a flat, solid surface and never leave them unattended.
4. Cooking Safety: Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using the stovetop. Keep flammable items away from the stove.
5. Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
6. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
7. Candles: Use battery-operated candles instead of real ones. If you do use real candles, never leave them unattended and keep them away from flammable items.
8. Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors. Inspect cords for damage and replace any frayed or worn cords.
9. Emergency Plan: Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family. Ensure everyone knows at least two ways out of each room and where to meet outside.
Fireplace safety:
1. Use Dry, Seasoned Wood: Burn only dry, seasoned wood to reduce creosote buildup in the chimney. Avoid burning wet or green wood, which can cause more smoke and creosote.
2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure your fireplace has proper ventilation. Keep the damper open while the fire is burning to allow smoke to escape through the chimney.
3. Fireplace Tools: Use fireplace tools, such as tongs and pokers, to handle burning logs safely. Avoid using your hands or any flammable materials.
4. Ash Disposal: Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. Place ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store it outside, away from your home and any flammable materials.
5. Fireplace Glass Doors: If your fireplace has glass doors, keep them open while the fire is burning to ensure proper airflow. Close the doors when the fire is out to prevent embers from escaping.
6. Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it in case of an emergency.
7. Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the fireplace with too many logs. A smaller, controlled fire is safer and more efficient.
8. No Flammable Liquids: Never use flammable liquids, such as gasoline or lighter fluid, to start a fire in your fireplace.
9. Regular Inspections: Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year to ensure they are in safe working condition.
10. Fireplace Screen: Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping into the room.
Stay warm and safe this winter by following these fire prevention tips. Your safety is our top priority!