The Crookston Fire Department reminds residents of the various hazards in and around their homes during the winter months. Firefighter Brian Hanson talked with KROX Radio about the many ways to stay safe.
HOME FIRE AND GENERATOR SAFETY
Approximately half of all home fires that occur in the United States take place between December and February. Heating equipment is involved in one out of every six home fires and one in every five home fire deaths.
Hanson said keeping things a safe distance from heating sources is a key part of fire safety. “If you’re heating your house with electric equipment, whether that be a space heater, you’re always going to want to keep things three feet away from any heat source, like a fireplace or wood stove radiators,” said Hanson. “If you’ve got portable generators running, make sure that you keep them away from windows. Keep the generators outside and as far away from the building as possible.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES
Make sure you have Carbon Monoxide detectors in your home. “Carbon monoxide is a gas that we can’t taste or smell, and it’s a poisonous gas that can creep into your home, whether it comes from a heating source, oil burners, or even high-efficiency gas furnaces if there’s a problem,” said Hanson. “And then it can also be started by cars being started in the garage. If you’re going to start your vehicle and it’s cold outside, we ask that you move your car outside the garage. That way, you don’t fill your house with carbon monoxide.“
CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY
If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to water it daily. “When trees are alive, they need to be watered every day. A dry Christmas tree can burn super fast, and super hot,” said Hanson. “They are a significant fire hazard and keep the heat sources away from those trees because they are a big fire danger.”
HAVE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN AND KEEP HYDRANTS CLEAR
Make sure to clear snow away from exits like doors and windows in your home. “Have a fire escape plan. Whether we have family members sleeping in the basement or on the second floor of our houses, it’s essential to ensure that we have escape routes,” said Hanson. “This can be achieved by using egress windows in the basement or simply clearing snow around the house to make it easier for family members to exit.”
Hanson said homeowners with decks should remove the snow.
The Crookston Firefighters ask residents to clear snow around fire hydrants in your neighborhood. “If you’re able to, just clear the snow away from your neighborhood hydrant on the corner,” said Hanson. “If you want to adopt one, we will have the adopt-a-hydrant program starting up again soon.”
MORE WINTER SAFETY TIPS ARE BELOW
Tags:
