Keep Your Home Safe from Fire during the Winter Season
Release Date: December 8, 2005
Release Number: 1605-125
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Approximately half of all fire related deaths in Alabama occur during the winter season. According to the state fire marshal's office, there were 94 fire-related deaths in Alabama last year. Most deaths occur because of carelessness with cigarettes, but fires can also start because of overloaded extension cords or misuse of space heaters and other electrical devices.
As the weather turns colder and residents begin to use various heating sources to stay warm, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the United States Fire Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer these tips to ensure the safety of Hurricane Katrina survivors and Alabama residents as well:
- Keep cloth and paper away from appliances and power outlets.
- Use caution when cooking with hot oil. Keep all cooking surfaces clean.
- Do not smoke in bed or near heating devices.
- Be aware that candles are the cause of many fires.
- Use only approved smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Test them monthly.
- Do not use space heaters as long-term heat sources. Use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved heaters.
- Prepare an escape plan for your family in the event of fire. Your plan should include a place where everyone meets. Practice the plan at least once a month.
- Use electric blankets approved by the UL; check blankets for frayed electrical cords.
- In addition to 911, have on hand any local emergency numbers for your area.
- If a fire starts in your home, get out and stay out! Do not attempt to re-enter a home on fire. Call 911.
Teach children the following things to keep them safe:
- Never put anything over a lamp, like clothes, or a blanket, not even while playing.
- Never play with matches or lighters.
- Don't touch radiators or heaters. Ask an adult to turn a heater on or off for you.
- Don't stand too close to the fireplace or a wood stove.
- Don't cook alone or without asking an adult.
- Never stick anything in an electrical socket.
For more information, go online at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/.
Last Modified: Friday, 09-Dec-2005 11:02:19