During this time of snow and cold weather, the member companies of the Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association remind everyone to follow these important safety tips to avoid fires or burn injuries.
Smoke Detectors - Install a smoke alarm on at least every level of the home or building, preferably in every room. Test your smoke alarm batteries every month and change the batteries at least once a year. New technology has greatly improved smoke alarms and detectors for home use. Smoke detectors have shown to have a useful life of ten years. Now detectors are on the market with a long-life (10 year) battery sealed in the unit. As the useful life of the detector expires, the homeowner simply discards the old detector and installs a new unit. The only maintenance is a monthly test of the unit. Also, for older homes without hardwired detectors there are now wireless interconnected detectors available. When multiple detectors of this type are installed in the home remote areas can be protected. When one detector activates they will all sound an alarm.
Alternate Home Heating - Never use a range or oven to heat a home or building. These appliances are not designed for long term or continuous use. In addition, toxic carbon monoxide gas can be produced by these devices. Space heater use must be monitored at all times. Never leave an operating space heater unattended. Be sure to allow at least three feet of clear space all the way around the heater so that combustible items do not ignite. Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it tips over. Follow all manufacturers guidelines especially in the use of the recommended fuel for any space heater. Never refuel the space heater indoors. Always refuel them away from the house and never refill it while it is operating or still hot. Electric space heaters must be connected directly to a wall receptacle. Never use extension cords or any type of multi-plug outlet for these devices.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and away from combustible surfaces. They need to have proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate the fire. Make sure that your chimney is professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. The use of a glass or metal screen in front of a fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting carpets or furniture nearby is essential. Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house or building. Never use a combustible container (e.g.- paper bag, cardboard box, or plastic pail) to dispose of the ashes, no matter how long after the fireplace or stove has been used. And never place the ashes or their container on a deck or in your garage.
Additional Tips - Be sure to keep the fire hydrant near a home or business clear of snow for easy access by firefighters. This can save precious moments during an emergency after the snow plows have been through your neighborhood. Practice your family Exit Drills In The Home. The family meeting place you selected in good weather may not be accessible after a snow event. Also remember when clearing snow, to clear a path from all the exits from your home.
These are just a few safety reminders for everyone to follow to help stay safe and warm during cold weather. For additional information contact your nearest Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Company.
