Winter storms affect us all and can cause a multitude of problems, including fires. If you are prepared and know what to do before, during and after will help keep your family safe.
- Smoke Alarms, test the batteries to make sure they are operational, and check the date to make sure they are not over 10 years old. Have them on EVERY level of your home.
- Carbon Monoxide detectors- check and test to make sure they are operational. Install outside every sleeping room and on EVERY floor.
- Always have two exits from the home in case of an emergency. Clear and shovel drive and walkway to ensure easy access.
- Be Aware of winter weather. Listen for updates on TV, Radio and online.
- NEVER leave a portable heater on when you are not in the room or have gone to bed. Plug directly into the wall never in an extension cord. Keep children away to avoid them getting burned.
- Be prepared for power outages. Know where your flashlights are and make sure they have fresh batteries. DO NOT use candles.
- Generators should only be used outdoors. Don’t run in your garage even if door is open.
- If heat goes off use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If using an emergency heat source make sure it is far away from anything that can burn.
- Outside the home make sure your house number can be easily seen in case of an emergency.
- Check on neighbors especially the elderly.
- Stay away from downed powerlines and report to the proper authorities.
There are more fires in the winter than any other time of the year so stay warm and be smart. Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires.
