Here are some tips to keep you safe at Home this Winter.
– ALWAYS Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work!
– ALWAYS Have your heating system checked by a professional annually
– If you heat by wood ALWAYS clean your fireplace, chimney before first use of the season
– If you heat by gas ALWAYS pipes, clamps, heaters should be checked for leaks
– ALWAYS Replace defective heater materials immediately and avoid repair
– ALWAYS Inspect and flush your water heater before first use of the season
– ALWAYS Make sure your home is properly insulated
– ALWAYS close off rooms you do not use to minimize heating needs
– ALWAYS Insulate water pipes – can use wrapping paper around & covering with plastic
– ALWAYS Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst
– NEVER try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch
– ALWAYS be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water
– NEVER run generators indoors
– ALWAYS Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater
– NEVER use charcoal indoors for heating
– NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home
– ALWAYS keep a screen around an open flame
– NEVER use gasoline to start your fireplace
– ALWAYS keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces
– ALWAYS refuel heating equipment outdoors and only when the unit is cool
– ALWAYS Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects
– ALWAYS Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family in case of a Fire
– ALWAYS keep an emergency kit which includes a torch handy
– Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness
– If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning ALWAYS ventilate the area and get to a hospital