Fire safety tips for the winter months

GENERATORS & CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

1. DO NOT use them indoors, either in a home or an attached garage. Portable generators produce carbon monoixde, a colorless, odorless, invisible gas that can kill. Always keep any running generator well-ventilated and keep all products like these at least 10 feet from your home.

2. The engine should not be running when refueling.

3. DO NOT exceed the generator's rated capacity.

4. If you use a generator or if you have gas-fueled appliances in your home, install carbon monoxide detectors in your residence. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can be interpreted as having the flu (headache, nausea, dizziness, etc.). If more than one person in your household is experiencing the same flu-like symptoms at the same time, it is very likely they are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Please leave the home and call 911.

 

SPACE HEATERS & YOUR HOME

 

1. Choose only space heaters that are UL-listed.

2. Check for safety features such as a thermostat, timer and an automatic shut-off device for tip-over protection.

3. Keep all space heaters at least 3 feet from combustibles.

4. DO NOT leave space heaters unattended, whether in another room or during the night when you sleep.

 

FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS

1. Have your chimney and fireplace inspected each year.

2. Keep fires small.

3. Make sure the flue is operating properly.

4. Always use a screen to keep embers in the fireplace.

5. Burn only clean material-i.e., clean wood, commercially produced fireplace logs, etc. DO NOT burn paper, boxes or other refuse in the fireplace. This can lead to a build-up of creosote along the chimneys walls and the creosote will burn.

 

 

POWER OUTAGES

This time of year can leave many people without power. Here are a few tips to keep you safe if you experience a power outage.

1. Always keep flashlights nearby with fresh batteries in case of a power outage.

2. Stay away from downed power lines. If you're not sure what it is (cable, telephone, electrical), stay away.

3. If you have smoke alarms that are A/C-powered, test the alarms to be certain the back-up batteries are working. This will ensure that you're protected during an outage. If you have the plug-in type carbon monoxide detector, check its back-up battery.

4. If you use candles, never leave them unattended. Always blow them out before you go out.

5. NEVER heat your residence with your stove or with a gas or charcoal grill.

 

 

 

**Test your smoke alarms monthly, practice your escape plan, and have a safe meeting place in case of an emergency!**