Winter brings bitter winds and dipping temperatures. But perhaps the most chilling result of wintry weather is the marked increase in home injury during this season.
Carbon Monoxide Precaution: Heating Systems and Gas Appliances
• Install at least one smoke alarm and CO alarm on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up central heating system and repair leaks.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Avoid using a cooking stove to heat your home.
• Never use a gas grill inside your home or in a closed garage.
Home Fire Precautions: Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
• Burn only wood- not trash, cardboard boxes, or Christmas trees because these items increase the risk of uncontrolled fires.
• Check the chimneys you use regularly every year for cracks, blockages and leaks.
• Keep all people and flammable objects, including wallpaper, bedding, clothing and pets, at least 36 inches away from fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Hire a professional sweep to clean your chimney at least once a year to prevent creosote build-up.
House Fire Precautions: Space Heaters
• Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Avoid using space heaters to dry flammable items such as clothing or blankets.
• Keep all flammable objects at least three feet from space heaters.
Power Outage Precautions: Lighting Sources and Perishable Food
• Stock up on batteries, flashlights, portable radios, canned foods, manual can openers, bottled water and blankets
• Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid a possible fire hazard
• Run water at a trickle to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting if outside temperatures are below freezing for an extended period of time and your home has no heat.
• Store perishable food outside in the snow or in an unheated outside building if power goes out.
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