Here are a few safety tips to prevent a home fire…
Submitted to Sumner Newscow — Winter has arrived and here are a few safety tips from the Wellington Fire/EMS Department.
Sixty percent of fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms. Thirty percent of residential heating fires occur because the heat source is too close to things that can burn. Heating and kitchen fires are the most predominant fires that occur in homes.
Here are other things to watch out for:
•Make sure your furnace is inspected by a qualified professional. Not only do furnaces cause fires but they can be the source of carbon monoxide.
• Keep all trash and combustibles three feet away from furnaces and space heaters. Too many space heaters can stress old electrical wiring and cause a fire.
•Inspect your chimney regularly for cracks and obstructions.
•Always have a screen closed in front of a fireplace and dispose of ashes in a covered metal container outside of the home.
•Do not use the stove/oven as a heating device!
•Do not consume alcohol or take drugs that will make you drowsy while cooking. Many kitchen fires occur when people think they can take a short nap or go to the grocery store quickly and leave food unattended.
•All individuals and families should practice a fire escape plan, know how to dial 911, have a fire extinguisher handy and have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
