Still looking for a New Year’s resolution? The Montgomery County Fire and
Rescue Service suggests making one that can truly benefit you and your family -
- - resolve to be fire safe in 2012. Fire risks increase as the temperatures
decrease and recent fire deaths across the country are tragic reminders that people
need to take action now to be safe during the winter months.
“There are two basic “Must Haves” that are integral to fire safety year-round,
but especially this time of year,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers. “We know
that having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, in combination
with a home escape plan, saves lives. We’re asking residents to ensure these life-saving
devices are present and functional in their homes.”
Fire Safety Tips
- Install working
smoke alarms on every level of your home including basements and in all sleeping areas. If your alarms are
hard-wired, be sure they have a battery back-up.
- Consider sleeping
with bedroom doors closed. Closed doors provide a barrier against smoke and may provide more time to escape
time in the event of a fire. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, make sure everyone can
hear the smoke alarm or consider installing one inside the bedroom.
- All smoke alarms have expiration dates
and should be replaced every ten years, even if they appear to be working. Follow
manufacturer recommendations for a replacement schedule.
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly
and batteries changed annually. A “chirping” sound may indicate that
your battery is low and needs to be changed right away.
- Make sure your home is equipped with
carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of
accidental poisoning deaths and, unlike fire, carbon monoxide cannot be seen, has no smell and without a detector you
may be at risk.
Heating Equipment
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires
during the winter months. In fact, half of all heating fires occur in the
months of December, January and February.
- Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from anything that can burn.
Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or
going to sleep.
- Don’t use extension cords with space heaters. The high amount of current they
require could melt
the cord and start a fire.
- When purchasing portable heaters, look for units with automatic shut-off
features.
- Never use a gas range or oven as a substitute for a furnace or space
heater.
- Fireplace ashes can
maintain enough heat to re-ignite for several days after a fire. When cleaning out the ashes, always assume
they are still hot and use a metal can to contain them in for disposal. The
metal can should be stored away from the home (never in an attached garage, breezeway or on a deck).
Cooking
Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. The leading
cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert
to prevent kitchen fires.
- Never leave cooking unattended. Turn off the burner if you need to
leave the room.
- Wear appropriate
clothing and avoid long, flowing sleeves and open, loose-fitting shirts that can easily come in contact with hot
burners.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - - potholders, towels, wooden utensils,
food packaging and curtains - - away from the stovetop.
- Always unplug appliances. Not only can it save money and energy, it’s safer
should there be a power surge or electrical malfunction.
