| OCR Text |
Show TEN TIMES - NOVEMBER 1992 ~ 3 Fire Safety Tips for HolidaywSeason & Winter Months We will soon be approaching the season to be jolly, so keep the holiday spirit uncharred by practicing fire safety at home and in the workplace. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following guidelines to reduce the risk of fires from heating your heating equipment is not safe ASK FOR HELP. Contact local authorities for help in improving your heating equipment or for locations of shelters in extremely cold weather. Use only approved heaters and equipment, Christmas trees, and holiday decorations—the primary fire fuels. Check for UL or Factory hazards during December: * Keep all combustible objects at heaters are illegal in some jurisdictions, check with local fire authorities to be sure that portable least THREE FEET away from portable heaters and wood/coal bunting stoves. Use a yardstick or meter stick to measure the distance. * Have your heating equipment, both central systems and portable equipment, serviced by a qualified expert at least once a year. Have your fireplace, wood-buming stove, and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Be sure all heaters, stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys are installed and insulated properly; check for heating of adjacent floors and walls. * Use only heating equipment that is in good operating condition and follow all operating instructions EXACTLY. Re-read instructions before operating your heater. Watch for worn electrical cords, gas leaks, or faulty switches. Keep your heating equipment clean. * Test your smoke alarms each week. Install a smoke alarm if you do not have one. Replace the battery if it has not been changed in the past year. * If you know someone who does Mutual labels. Because portable heaters are allowed in your area. Wear close fitting pajamas or night clothes and avoid loose, billowy gowns or robes to reduce the risk of igrtiting your clothes by contacting heaters or cook stoves. Warn senior citizens and children to stay away from heaters. Be sure there is adequate ventilation in any area where there is an open flame. Keep the central gas heating system ventilation ducts open. Provide ventilation for wood or gas fueled heaters by opening a window. Keep natural Christmas trees as fresh as possible. Buy early when trees are fresh. Don’t buy trees with loose needles or brown spots. To keep the tree fresh, cut the base of the tree at a 45 degree angle, place the base in a bucket of water and keep outdoors until ready to decorate. After the tree is indoors, keep the tree in a water-containing base. Check water level every day to keep the tree well watered. Remove the tree promptly after the holiday or when it becomes dry. Never leave lighted candles reach of children. Be sure that electric lights are used correctly. Inspect light strings, cords, plugs, and receptacles. Check for worn or frayed insula- tion and loose connections. throw damaged items away. Don’t overload electrical circuits or extension cords. Read and follow directions on cord labels regarding connecting light strings and extension cords. Use plastic holders for stringing lights. Avoid nailing through wires or wrapping wires around nails. Use only lights that have been laboratory tested. Check for UL or Factory Mutual labels. Always turn off Christmas lights before leaving home or going to sleep. Never leave lights on when no one is at home. Keep your tree decorations and presents away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles, heaters, and lamps. Practice emergency procedures so you and your family know what to do in case of a fire: Know to “stop, drop, and roll" to put out the fire if your clothes catch on fire. Have an emergency exit plan with two exit routes from each room, and explain your plan to overnight guests. Keep your exit routes clear; don’t place portable heaters near doorways or in halls. Be sure to have a designated meeting place outside the house. Hold a practice exit drill each month so everyone will know how to get out safely. Emphasize the importance of getting out quickly in case of fire. not have safe, adequate heating unattended, especially with —Floyd Stoughton, equipment, offer help or ask a local social service agency to help. If children in the home. Store matches and lighters out of the Castle Valley Fire Chief Canyonlands K Llamas ANNBENGE '\Q’ Mimi), Utah 84532 (NH) 259-5739 |
