Winter Tips

Smoke Detectors

• Test your detectors monthly – mark it on the calendar.
• Place a detector on every level, in bedrooms, and in hallways outside bedrooms.
• Vacuum the dust off your detectors regularly.
• If you have not replaced the batteries yet, do it now!
• When guests are staying overnight, show them the escape plans.

Cooking

• Wear clothes that fit tightly.
• Consider wearing an apron.
• Turn pot handles inward when cooking on the stove.
• Use timers if you must leave the kitchen.
• Use lids on pans or keep them close by.
• Unplug electric heating appliances, such as toasters, heating bases, etc.
• Keep a small fire extinguisher on hand in the kitchen area.

Fireplaces

Gas Fireplaces:

• Maintain a 36-inch clearance around the fireplace.
• Know the location of the gas shutoff valve.

Wood Fireplaces:

• Clean your chimney yearly.
• Use clean dry wood.
• Make sure the damper is open and working before starting a fire.
• Maintain a 36-inch clearance in front of the fireplace.
• Keep glass doors closed or use a screen.
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid on it and remove from the home.
• Remember, ashes can remain hot for 48 hours or more.

Space/Portable Heaters:

• Maintain a 36-inch clearance around the heater.
• Make sure that the heater is placed on a stable, non-flammable surface.
• Make sure the heater is UL or FM approved.
• Make sure the cord is in good condition.
• Read all directions before using the heater.
• If it is a liquid-fuel type heater, use caution and fill it outside.
• Do not leave a heater unattended.
• Be aware of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Candles:

• Candle fires accounted for 4.1 percent of all home fires.
• Forty percent of candle fires are in bedrooms.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room.
• Keep candles away from combustibles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
• Don’t place candles in windows.
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids and materials.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to ¼ inch.
• Discard candles when they have burned to 2 inches from the holder.
• Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them or “painted” candles. (Sometimes the coating can be flammable.)
• Keep candles out of reach of children and do not allow teenagers to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Keep pets away from candles.

Smoking:

• Careless smoking is a major contributing factor in the high number of fire fatalities.
• Dispose of ashes by placing them into a container with a lid, such as a coffee can.
• Have a smoking area in the home, preferably outside.

Fire Extinguishers:

• Have working fire extinguishers in both the kitchen and garage area.
• Know how to use an extinguisher before a mishap.