Cold Weather Safety     Print     E-mail
Supplemental Heating Devices

    * Use and maintain all supplemental heating devices in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

    * Do no 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 smoke detectors are accompanied with residential fire sprinklers.