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P.O. Box 98
24310 Main Street
Elbert, CO 80106 |
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Phone: (303)
648-3000
Fax: (303) 648-3650 |
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Fire Safety begins
with Fire Prevention
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 Winter Storms Fire Safety
A wide range of natural disasters
occurs within the United States every year. Natural disasters can
have a devastating effect on you and your home. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration encourages
you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your
family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or
after a winter storm. You can greatly reduce your chances of
becoming a fire casualty by being able to identify potential hazards
and following the outlined safety tips.
SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND
AFTER A WINTER STORM
- Alternative heating devices used
incorrectly create fire hazards.
- Damaged or downed utility lines
can present a fire and life safety hazard.
- Water damaged appliances and
utilities can be electrically charged.
- Frozen water pipes can burst and
cause safety hazards.
- Leaking gas lines, damaged or
leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may
explode or ignite.
- Generators are often used during
power outages. Generators that are not properly used and
maintained can be very hazardous.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
- Look for combustible liquids like
gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled.
Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a
well-ventilated area.
- Keep combustible liquids away from
heat sources.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
- If your home has sustained flood
or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or
fuse box, turn off the power.
- Assume all wires on the ground are
electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
- Look for and replace frayed or
cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
- Exposed outlets and wiring could
present a fire and life safety hazard.
- Appliances that emit smoke or
sparks should be repaired or replaced.
- Have a licensed electrician check
your home for damage.
GAS SAFETY
- Smell and listen for leaky gas
connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave
the house and leave the door(s) open.
- Never strike a match. Any size
flame can spark an explosion.
- Before turning the gas back on,
have the gas system checked by a professional.
GENERATOR SAFETY
- Follow the manufacturer's
instructions and guidelines when using generators.
- Use a generator or other
fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and
can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
- Use the appropriate sized and type
power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can
overheat and cause fires.
- Never run cords under rugs or
carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go
unnoticed.
- Never connect generators to
another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of
electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility
worker.
HEATING SAFETY
- Kerosene heaters may not be legal
in your area and should only be used where approved by
authorities.
- Do not use the kitchen oven range
to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a
source of toxic fumes.
- Alternative heaters need their
space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
- Make sure your alternative heaters
have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to
automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
- Only use the type of fuel
recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
- Never refill a space heater while
it is operating or still hot.
- Refuel heaters only outdoors.
- Make sure wood stoves are properly
installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials.
Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate
ventilation.
- Use a glass or metal screen in
front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby
carpets, furniture or other combustible items.
AND REMEMBER...
- Be careful when using candles.
Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach
of children.
- Some smoke alarms may be dependent
on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during
a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up
battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
- Smoke alarms should be installed
on every level of your home.
- All smoke alarms should be tested
monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least
once a year.
- If there is a fire hydrant near
your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire
department.
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