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Safety Tips
Continuing with a series of seasonal safety tips from www.vafire.com, below please find a Winter Fire Safety Checklist from that website.
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Flammable liquids such as gasoline are stored in tight, properly labeled fire-safe containers, away from heat sources and small children.
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Fire hydrants near your home are kept clean of snow so it is easily accessible in the event that it is needed.
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The roof has been checked to see if it is fire retardant.
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Pine needles and leaves are cleared from eaves, gutters and your roof.
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All tree limbs within 10 feet of the house are trimmed and all dead limbs hanging over the house or garage are removed.
Kitchen Fire Safety
- No food is left unattended while cooking.
- All paper and cloth materials are kept away from heat sources.
- Pot handles turned inward to prevent them from getting bumped or grabbed.
- Exhaust filters are checked for dirt and grease build-up and clean them regularly.
- Microwave safe dishes are always used in the microwave and metal is never used.
- Outlets and cords have been checked to make sure they are safe.
- Children are always supervised when they are in the kitchen and only responsible kids are allowed to use appliances, such as toasters.
Candle Safety
- All lit candles are in sturdy, noncombustible containers that are large enough to collect wax.
- Candles are blown out and have stopped smoking before leaving the room and never left unattended.
- All matches and lighters are out of reach of children.
- All matches and lighters are away from sources of heat, such as stoves and heaters.
Home Heating Safety
- Kerosene is stored in approved and properly labeled containers away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Home heating devices are at least 3 feet away from any combustible materials, such as bedding, drapes or furniture.
- Rooms are properly ventilated when using a fuel burning appliance.
- All woodstoves meet UL ratings and are properly installed by a professional.
- Kerosene heaters are filled outside the home and only after they have cooled.
- Ranges or ovens are never used as supplemental heating devices.
- Electrical heaters are placed far away from water sources.
- Wires and fuses have been checked for damage and any damaged ones were immediately fixed.
- Flammable items, including solvents and paint, are stored away from heaters and furnaces.
Chimney and Fireplace Safety
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Chimneys have been checked and, if necessary, cleaned every year and prior to use.
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A glass or metal screen is kept in front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted materials from going in, and help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
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All chimneys are topped with a spark guard.
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Fireplace ashes are allowed to cool and put into a tightly covered metal container.
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Fireplace fires are completely out before going to bed and the damper is only closed if the ashes are cooled down.
Smoke Alarms
- Smoke alarms are checked and cleaned monthly.
- Smoke alarm batteries are changed at least every six months.
- Smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside all bedrooms.
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Safety Tips from Virginia Beach EMS
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