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.

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)

BKFD Holiday Safety 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.