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.