Winter Weather Fire Safety! |
By Deputy Chief Frank Musorrafiti | |
February 18, 2024 | |
Winter weather, in addition to hazardous road conditions, brings with it a host of safety concerns. Your Hartsdale Firefighters encourage you to prepare ahead and stay safe this winter. HEAT As we rely on furnaces to heat our homes, it is important to take a few moments to make sure yours has been professionally serviced so that it is clean and in proper working order. Check that the furnace is ventilated to the outside to prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into your home. Make sure all fireplaces and chimneys are inspected and clean before using them – and only burn approved fuels. Space heaters are convenient but can be dangerous. Follow the manufacturers’ guidelines when using heaters. Always plug the heater directly into an outlet — do not use an extension cord. Do not put other electrical devices into the same outlet as portable heaters and always make sure flammable materials are a safe 3 feet from the heater. Unplug the heater when it is not in use and never leave a heater unattended. When our homes are sealed up tight to keep the winter weather at bay, carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a more common problem. You can prevent carbon monoxide emergencies by never using a generator or propane-powered heater indoors and making sure all vents in the kitchen are open when you cook. In addition, check that you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home and a plan to evacuate if the detector sounds. That plan should include calling 9-1-1 and staying out of your home until firefighters say it is safe. VEHICLE SAFETY It is also advised to keep extra warm clothes, water, a flashlight or flares and a blanket in your car in case of an emergency. If you live in a snowy climate, keep a bag of sand in your trunk in case your car gets stuck. And don’t forget your ice scraper — it is essential for keeping your windows clear of ice and snow before driving. Finally, don’t warm your car up indoors. This may sound obvious, but — remember — your garage counts as indoors. FIRE HYDRANTS Stay Safe! |
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