Archives: Public Service Announcement

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

Choose a CO alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.

Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.

If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home.

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

Do you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? Here are a few simple tips to help you prevent a clothes dryer fire.

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
• Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
• Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

AND DON’T FORGET

• Dryers should be properly grounded.
• Check the outdoor vent flap to make sure it is not covered by snow or debris.
• Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing.
• Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances like gasoline, paint thinner, or similar solvents should be laid outside to dry before washing and drying.

SAFETY TIPS

• Make sure that heat lamps are properly secured. This will keep them from being knocked over.
• Keep heat lamps away from anything that can burn.
• Keep space heaters away from anything that can burn.
• Place space heaters on a sturdy surface so they won’t be knocked over.
• Brush cobwebs and dust from light fixtures and outlets. Do this regularly.
• Choose light bulbs that have covers. This will protect them from dirt, moisture, and breaking.
• Do not use extension cords in the coop.
• Choose electrical equipment for agricultural or commercial use.
• Be careful with electrically heated poultry waterers.
• Make sure the cord and plug are properly grounded.
• Check all wiring for damage.
• Have electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• Choose outlets and switch boxes designed to keep out dust and water.

What to do if your car is on fire

• Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, be sure to use your signal as you make your way to a safe location off the road such as the breakdown lane or rest stop.
• Once you have stopped, TURN OFF the engine.
• GET everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything.
• MOVE everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic.
• CALL 9-1-1.

How to prevent a car fire

• Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic. If you spot leaks, your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.
• If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.
• Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment.
• Never park a car where flammables, such as grass, are touching the catalytic converter.
• Drive safely to avoid an accident.

Know the danger signs

• Cracked or loose wiring or electrical problems, including a fuse that blows more than once
• Oil or fluid leaks
• Oil cap not on securely
• Rapid changes in fuel or fluid level, or engine temperature

Safety Tips

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the
  holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.