Gainesville —
The month of December ushers cold temperatures along with the most popular holiday of the year, and yet both factors can contribute to fire hazards.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas and during cold months afterward, Cooke County residents are urged to use heaters, holiday lights, electrical cords and even cooking appliances with extreme caution.
Representatives of Gainesville Fire-Rescue urge residents to be concerned about fire risk during winter weather. This is because, for many people, any cold spell means increased use of space heaters and appliances.
Statistics from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that roughly 3,500 Americans die each year in fires, and about 20,000 more people are injured.
Gainesville Fire-Rescue members recommend the following winter safety tips:
• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove and do not use your oven or stove to warm your home.
• Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical and extension cords. Discard damaged cords rather than trying to repair them.
• Choose a Christmas tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy candleholders that won’t burn.
• Before going to sleep, be sure your fireplace is out.
• When using a fireplace, it is important to avoid closing the damper while hot ashes are still in the fire place. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the home.
• Never discard fireplace ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the home.
• Never try to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch or other open flame.
• Test your smoke detectors at least once a month. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Smoke detectors should be tested at least monthly in addition to when the time changes. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) reports that almost two-thirds of home fire deaths in 2005-2009 resulted from fires in home with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a fire by half.
• If you have natural gas in your home, install a carbon monoxide detector on each level — and if it alarms, leave the residence and call 911.
• Have a family plan. Practice two ways to escape with your family, and know where to meet outside the home.
For more information about the causes of winter fires, winter storm fire safety, holiday fire safety and tips that will help prevent fires in the home, visit www.usfa.fema.gov or www.nfpa.org/winter, or call fire department representatives at (940) 668-7777.
Local News
Gainesville Fire Rescue offers winter safety tips
- Local News
-
-
Summer Sounds series returns to Gainesville
This year’s three-installment “Summer Sounds” outdoor concert series begins Friday, May 31, in downtown Gainesville, with Austin-based rockabilly musician Junior Brown serving as headliner.
-
Kiwanis Club pledges $25K to Abigail's Arms
Abigail’s Arms Executive Director Kim Cook and Capital Campaign Chairperson Karon Sullivant accepted a $25,000 pledge at the Gainesville Kiwanis Club meeting Tuesday.
-
What's it worth?
-
Area bankers fight cyber crime
-
Noblitt discusses demo projects
Over 700 commercial and residential buildings have code violations as detailed by Gainesville Community Services Director John Noblitt at Wednesday Lion’s Club meeting in Gainesville.
-
Obits 5-24
GERALDINE WALTERSCHEID
-
Callisburg student brings gun to campus
Callisburg Independent School District officials confirmed an unlawful handgun possession by a student while on campus.
-
Lightning apparent cause of tank fire
-
Council approves land annexation
Gainesville City Council members approved a Gainesville Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) annexation of 143 acres of land into city limits during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
-
Area graduates prepare for the next stage in life
Cooke County-area high schools are set to conduct commencement ceremonies during the next three weeks, and officials provided information Wednesday regarding graduating class sizes and the top scholastic students.
Gainesville High School - More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
