Winter Safety Tips

• Test the smoke alarms in your home to make sure they’re working, and be certain everyone in your family knows and practices your home fire escape plan.
• Use non-flammable holders and position candles a safe distance from your Christmas tree and other holiday decorations.
• A dry tree is a serious fire hazard, so water yours often. After the holidays, dispose of the tree safely at a recycling center or with your pick-up service.
• Install storm shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of water, if drains on flat roofs do not work
• Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
• Do not try to walk across running water more than 6 inches deep; even 6 inches of rapidly running water can sweep you off your feet.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately--if you can--and seek higher ground.
• If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel kerosene heaters outside.

Summer Safety Tips

• Test the smoke alarms in your home to make sure they’re working, and be certain everyone in your family knows and practices your home fire escape plan.
• Use only charcoal lighter fluid.  Once the coals have been ignited, never add more fuel to the Fire.
• Do not wear loose clothing while barbecuing and keep children safely away from the barbecue fire.
• Make sure the barbecue stand is level and steady, keep a water container nearby when the coal is burning and soak the coals when cooking is over to prevent re-ignition.
• Never refuel a lawn mower in the garage or other structures always refuel outside.  Refuel only when the engine is off and cool.
• When camping, buy a tent made of flame-retardant fabric.  A paraffin coated cotton tent can burn up in a few minutes with someone trapped inside.
• Never use candles or matches in or near a tent, use a flashlight.
• Keep any furniture that your children can climb on away from open windows.  Children can quickly climb to window ledges or sills and fall.
• Avoid heat-related illnesses by staying well hydrated and eating salty snacks, rest often out of the sun, wear clothing that allows for evaporation (cotton is best) and wear a brimmed hat or cap
• Wear sun block to avoid serious burns.
• Wear sandals or foot coverings.  Severe burns to the bottom of your feet can occur from sand and tarred pavement
• Allow radiator cap to cool Never lean over the radiator when opening it.
• When the car is hot, check the metal parts of the seatbelt before fastening, especially on infant car seats.  Cover metal parts when possible and always test plastic or leather seats before placing a child into the car.
• Standing hose water can be extremely hot and could cause serious burns.
• Store flammable liquids only in approved safety cans, away from open flames (i.e. water heaters and pilot lights, and out of reach of children.