More fires occur during the winter months than at any other time.
Fortunately, taking simple precautions can prevent most fires. Follow the
safety tips below to help ensure your safety:
- Put at least three feet of empty space between the heater and everything else.
- Vacuum and clean the dust and lint from all heaters.
- If the cord gets hot, frayed or cracked, have the
heater serviced.
- Never use extension cords with portable electric
heaters.
- Turn off portable heaters when leaving or sleeping.
- An adult should always be present when anyone is using
a space heater around children.
- Make sure your portable electric heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off function.
- Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your
fireplace.
- Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at
least three feet away from anything that burns.
- To prevent flue fires, burn dry, well-seasoned wood.
- Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass. If children are present, use a special child-guard screen.
Generators
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You cannot see or smell it. A generator's exhaust contains poisonous CO, which can kill you in a matter of minutes. Follow these important generator safety tips:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You cannot see or smell it. A generator's exhaust contains poisonous CO, which can kill you in a matter of minutes. Follow these important generator safety tips:
- Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage,
shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are
open.
- Place portable generators outside only, far away from
the home. Keep the generator away from openings to the home, including
doors, windows, and vents.
- Read the label on the generator and the owner's
manual, and follow the instructions.
- Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home
outside each sleeping area.
- Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel
sick, weak or dizzy. CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can
quickly lead to incapacitation and death.
- Be sure generator fuel is properly and safely stored.
- Always refuel the generator outdoors and away from any
ignition sources.
- If you choose to have a generator permanently connected to your home's electrical system, make sure a licensed electrician installs it and be sure to notify your electric company.
- Place candles in sturdy, fireproof candle holders where
they cannot be knocked over.
- Make sure all candles are out before going to bed or
leaving the house.
- Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of children's
reach.
- Keep candles away from Christmas trees, evergreen clippings, decorations, presents, and wrapping paper.
- Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and in
each bedroom.
- Test and vacuum your smoke alarms each month to make
sure they are working.
- Smoke alarms 10 years old or older need to be replaced
with new units.
- Know two ways out of every room.
- Practice your escape plan with your whole family at
least twice a year.
- Do not attempt to go back into a burning home.
You can follow the link and read the actual article for yourself
at: http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION_ID=1&CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE_ID=10369
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