Fall Fire Safety
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Have all chimneys, furnaces, and fireplaces have been inspected by a professional service within the last 12 months.
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Unclean chimney's are the leading cause of chimney fires. Make sure you get your chimney cleaned at least once a year.
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Only use dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace or wood-stove.
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If using a fireplace, have a metal or tempered glass screen in front of it to prevent embers from escaping or unwanted items entering the fireplace. Make sure the screen stays in good condition.
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Maintain a three-foot no-kid zone around all fireplaces, portable space heaters and wood-stoves.
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Use only space heaters with automatic shut-offs and are plugged directly into the outlet.
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As always, check your smoke alarms once a month and change your batteries are you change your clocks.
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Also, make sure you have an installed carbon monoxide detector, that you also test once a month.
State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci reminds all Marylanders to use appropriate safety precautions when using fuel-fired appliances that connect to propane or natural gas."Injuries and fatalities resulting from an explosion involving liquid and vapor fuels such as propane and natural gas are always a concern. It is necessary to maintain cylinders, fuel lines, connections and the appliances using the fuels to protect against leaks", stated Fire Marshal Geraci. "It is imperative that manufactureer's instructions are adhered to in order to protect ourselves from needless injuries and/or death
Halloween
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For your costume, keep away from long-trailing fabrics. Make sure with masks, children can still see out of the eye-holes.
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Provide flashlights or glowsticks as lighting for children.
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Keep all decorations from open flames and other heat sources.
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Paper, crepe, and cornstalks catch easily.
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Keep exits clear of decorations for a quick escape if needed.
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Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns. If using real candles:
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Keep jack-o-lanterns away from other flammable decorations
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Use long fireplace style matches or a utility lighter.
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Teach children to keep away from any lit decorations, and what to do if their costume catches on fire
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STOP, DROP, Cover your face, and ROLL
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Reproduced from the NFPA's website:
www.nfpa.org/publiceducation Copyright NFPA 2016
Thanksgiving
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Stay in the kitchen as you are cooking on the stove-top.
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Check on the food in the oven frequently and stay inside the home.
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Maintain a three-foot kid free zone around the oven or any appliances while in use.
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Keep the floor clear so no one trips over children, toys, shoes, etc.
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Keep cords to any electric knives, warmers, or mixers out of the reach of children and also away from any water or water source.
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Keep matches and lighters away from children.
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Never use turkey fryers inside the home, garage, or on a structure.
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Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have a fire extinguisher near by.
For more information to keep your Fall Season safe please visit the links below:
Preparing for Winter NFPA Tip Sheet