Finally, Cooler Weather is Here
Cooler weather brings the holidays, decorations, and the need for a little heat. But that also means a greater risk for fire. RVFD suggests a few simple tips to ensure a happy and fire-safe winter season.
Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your house. Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat sourcelike fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters.
Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance(such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
Christmas trees lights should follow the same application and remove your tree from your home as soon as it begins to dry out.
Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
Stay safe and stay warm
For more fire safety information during the winter and holidays visit www.rinconvalleyfd.orgor www.nfpa.org
