COLD-WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

            Supplemental Heating Devices

• Use and maintain supplemental heating devices in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
• Do not leave heating devices unattended or turned on while you are sleeping.
• Provide all heating devices with at least three feet of clear space, away from beds, drapes, furniture and other combustible materials.
• Examine gas lines for punctures or splits.  Check the connectors and valves for leaks.

Heat-Producing Appliances

• Leave space for air to circulate around other heat-producing equipment, such as copy machines, coffee makers and computers.  Keep appliances away from anything that might catch fire.  Do not stack books or papers on top of computer monitors.
• Designate someone to turn off or unplug all appliances at the end of each workday at work.

Chimneys and Fireplaces

• Clean and maintain chimneys, fireplaces and furnaces on a regular basis.  Most fires in wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys occur because of a lack of regular cleaning, leading to the buildup of creosote (the residue of unburned fuel).
• Keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace with fire screens made of heat-tempered glass or sturdy metal.
• Burn dry, well-seasoned hard wood because it’s the most efficient fuel.

Smoke and CO Alarms

• If you don’t have smoke alarms, install them.  If you do, maintain them according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Install CO alarms in your home to provide you with an early warning if CO is accumulating.  Heating equipment that burns fuel is a potential source of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that is created when fuel burns incompletely.
• Test Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms weekly to be sure they are working properly. Change the batteries in all alarms at least once a year.

General Fire-Prevention and Safety Practices

• Have a family escape plan with a meeting place.  Once you exit your home, DO NOT return.  Too many people lose their lives going back into a burning home.
• If you use candles, make sure you use them in a safe environment in a fireproof container and away from children.  Do not leave them unattended.  If possible, consider using flameless, battery-operated candles.
• Consider getting a residential fire sprinkler installed.  According to statistics, the risk of death by fire is reduced by 82 percent when spoke detectors are accompanied with residential fire sprinklers.