Winter Safety Tips
Winter Weather Safety
Have your furnace inspected and serviced if needed every 12 months.
- Have chimneys and vents inspected and cleaned (NFPA reports the leading cause of chimney fires is due to build up in the chimney).
- Place a fire screen in front of the fire place, and be sure it is made of metal or heat-tempered glass.
- Have a covered metal container for ashes.
- Keep children at least 3 feet from fireplaces, ovens, or heating devices.
- Portable space heaters should have an automatic shut off.
- Portable heaters should be plugged directly into the outlet (no power strips or extension cords) and 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
Facts:
- Two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles.
- One out of every three Christmas Tree fires are caused by electrical failures.
- Heat sources too close to Christmas Trees account for one in every six fires.
- Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source. (NFPA, 2014)
Winter Holiday Tips
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and any items that can burn.
- Be sure to use indoor or outdoor lights for their intended use.
- Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Replace any damaged light cords to avoid electrical fires.
- To avoid light string damage, use clips and not nails to hang holiday lights.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
- Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Make sure all guests know where the exits are should there be an emergency.
- Keep matches and lighters away from the reach of children.
- Do not allow children or pets to play near open flames.
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Pick a Christmas tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Make sure that the tree is 3 feet from any heat source.
- Do not block exits when placing the tree in your home.
- Be sure to add water daily to the tree stand.
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
- Always turn off lights before leaving the house or going to bed.