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Safety Tips From Fire Chief Smith

D’IBERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

From every one at the D’Iberville Fire Department: We Wish You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Read below for important safety tips on home fire safety, space heater safety and holiday travel safety from Fire Chief Gerald Smith. 

Christmas Holiday Fire Safety Tips:

The Christmas holidays are a wonderful time of year but can also be a dangerous time of year. Christmas holidays bring more home parties, home decorating, cooking, and of course lower temperatures, which mean more home heating. Here are some tips to help you and your family, enjoy the holiday season safely.

  •         Do not leave food cooking unattended. Kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the U.S.
  •         Parties are very common during the holiday season. Provide your guest with plenty of deep ashtrays. Cigarette butts can smolder in trashcans or on upholstery and cause a fire when you least expect it. Douse ashtrays with water before discarding. After the party always check on, between and under upholstery and in trash cans for smoldering cigarette butts.
  •         Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
  •         When decorating check for any damaged or frayed wires and use only UL approved lighting.
  •         Remember heater safety. Do not place heaters near combustible materials, and have your heaters checked yearly by a certified technician.

Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips:

  • Natural trees should be cut at a 45 degree angle at the base and placed in water.
  • Tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water.
  • Check water level every day and refill.
  • Place tree away from all heat sources.
  • Use only UL approved indoor lighting.
  • Inspect lights for frayed wire or other defects before use.
  • Link only the amount of strands together that is suggested by the manufacturer.
  • Do not leave lights on unattended.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets or extension courds.try to avoid using extension cords.
  • When the tree becomes dry, discard it immediately.

 

Space Heater Fire Safety Tips:

With the cold weather season upon us, more and more people are using space heaters to keep warm. The improper use of space heaters, contribute to several home fires yearly. Here are a few tips to stay safe when using space heaters.

 

  • ·        Always make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
  • ·        Never use fuel burning appliances without proper ventilation.
  • ·        Be sure your space heater is in good working condition. All space heaters need frequent check ups and cleaning.
  • ·        Use only the proper fuel for each heater.
  • ·        Store kerosene, gasoline and other flammable liquids outside the home at all times.
  • ·        Use only approved safety cans for storing flammable liquids.
  • ·        Maintain a minimum of 3 feet clearance from walls and other combustible materials in all directions around a space heater.
  • ·        Never leave children unsupervised alone in a room with a space heater.
  • ·        Keep young children away from space heaters.
  • ·        If you use an electrical space heater, be sure your house wiring is adequate. Never use extension cords for space heaters. Use an approved power strip with a built in circuit breaker to prevent overloading.
  • ·        Never cover a heaters cord with carpeting or furniture.
  • ·        Avoid using electrical space heaters in the bathroom.
  • ·        When refilling a flammable liquid fueled heater, do so outdoors and avoid overfilling it.
  • ·        Never fill a flammable liquid fueled heater while it is burning.
  • ·        Turn off your heater or turn it on low before going to bed.

 

 

Winter Travel Safety Tips:

 

Holiday traveling can be fun but also dangerous. A large number of people prefer to travel by car instead of flying or by train. Here are some tips to help you travel safely during the holiday season.

 

  • Traveling during the winter months can be challenging for a lot of drivers especially when traveling to the Northern States. Allow for extra time, monitor weather conditions and adhere to travel advisories.
  • If you may be traveling in harsh winter conditions or secluded areas it would be a good idea to include a winter storm survival kit when packing your car. The kit should include items such as blankets, food, flares, gloves and first aid supplies.
  • Prior to leaving home make sure to make arrangements to keep your home safe. Check your home to make sure nothing is left on that could cause a fire, and make sure that you leave no candles burning. Make arrangements for pets. Have a neighbor that you trust help keep an eye on your home while you are away. You can also advise your local law enforcement agency that you will not be home and they will keep a check on your home while you are away. Leave an emergency contact number that you may be reached at with your neighbor or the police in the event that you need to be contacted. Have the post office hold your mail and hold off on having your paper delivered during your time away from home. Never tell anyone except those you trust that you will be away from home. These are just a few things to help make your holiday time more enjoyable this season.

 

FROM EVERYONE AT THE D’IBERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT WE WISH YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.

Dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens we serve.