Staff Report
Gainesville Daily Register
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.
