Most of us would agree that life would be more difficult without the use of electricity to heat, cool and light our homes and businesses, and operate our appliances and tools. Although they provide everyday conveniences, electrical equipment has become the third leading cause of home fires and the second in fire deaths. Short circuits and faulty wiring kill hundreds of people and injure thousands more annually. With the danger of electrical fires ever present, taking precautions is fundamental to using electricity wisely.
- Plug in only as many appliances as an outlet can support directly. Do not use un-fused, multi-plug adapters or power strips as the electrical circuit may not be able to support the demand for that amount of current.
- Use extension cords only for temporary portable equipment, not in place of your home’s permanent wiring. Equipment supplied with electricity by an extension cord must have a lower amperage rating than that of the extension cord. Using an extension cord for a portable heater, which requires a lot of amperage, could cause the extension cord to overheat at the cord end and outlet and start a fire.
- Replace or have repaired by an electrician any frayed, split, cracked or otherwise damaged cords. Damaged cords can cause a short in the circuit, heat up, and start a fire. Wrapping electrical tape around a damaged cord may not repair it.
- When removing an electrical cord from an outlet, grasp on the plug portion instead of the cord.
- Do not lay cords under rugs, over nails or hooks, or through doorways or windows where they may get smashed, cut or split and cause a fire or shock hazard.
- If you have small children in your home, cover unused electrical outlets with plastic safety caps.
- Use bulbs that match the recommended wattage for that appliance or light fixture. Bulbs with wattages in excess of what is recommended may give off enough heat to start a fire.
- If outlets or switch boxes are cracked or discolored, turn the circuit off and have them checked by an electrician. They may need to be replaced.
- Keep heat-generating appliances and light bulbs away from anything flammable. Allow sufficient space around stereos, televisions and computers to prevent over-heating.
- Purchase appliances and cords with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or FM (Factory Mutual) label indicating they have been tested for safety.
- Consider having additional circuits and outlets added to your home by an electrician, especially if you are using extension cords and power strips. The price tag will not be near what an electrical fire would cost in money and lives.
Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is working with the Ohio Fire Officials Association for state law mandating photoelectric or equivalent smoke detection technology in new residential construction. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
LiveSafe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. LiveSafe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. LiveSafe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: appliances, Electricity, extension cord, Factory Mutual, home fires, power strips, short circuits, UL, wiring
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Placing a 9-1-1 Call: What You Should Know
Dublin, OH- When an emergency, such as a fire occurs, it’s easy to become panicked and confused. As a result, many 9-1-1 calls made to emergency dispatchers are often not complete, thus hindering the fire department’s ability to arrive quickly to the scene. By knowing what to expect when you call 9-1-1 and making a few simple preparations, you can steer clear of the common mistakes people make when they place an emergency phone call.
- Keep the 9-1-1 number posted on every telephone in your house and ask neighbors to do the same. Make the call from inside your home only if you are trapped. Otherwise, get out, report to your family’s agreed upon meeting place, and call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone or cell phone.
- Speak clearly and calmly. Give the dispatcher the location of the emergency and a brief description of the incident you are reporting. Be prepared to answer questions such as location, address, name, and telephone number. Stay on the phone until you have answered all the dispatcher’s questions and he or she says it’s OK to hang up. Help is being dispatched at the same time the call taker is continuing to gather additional information.
- If your call is a medical emergency, the dispatcher will provide pre-arrival medical instructions telling you what to do before medics arrive.
- Do not program 9-1-1 into your phone. It is too easy to accidentally call the number. If you dial 9-1-1 in error, DO NOT hang up. With the enhanced 9-1-1 features in our area, the caller’s address and telephone number is automatically identified for the dispatcher’s reference. Instead, stay on the line and let the dispatcher know you made a mistake. Otherwise he/she will send emergency crews to your address and needlessly tie up resources from real emergencies.
- If you use a cell phone to place an emergency call, the dispatcher receives your call back number and the approximate location from which you are calling. It is imperative that you stay on the line and tell the dispatcher the exact location of the emergency.
- Make sure your house number is displayed with large numbers (at least four inches high) in a contrasting color that can be seen easily from the road.
- If your home is situated far off the road, be sure your driveway is well marked with your street address.
- Share with your children and family members that making false emergency calls as a joke is a crime that costs lives. False alarms tie up emergency telephone lines and endanger emergency personnel driving to the scene.
- Once emergency personnel arrive, ensure they have current medical information for your family at their disposal by posting on your refrigerator a Vial of Life form for each member of your family. The Vial of Life form, if completed and kept current, can provide valuable information (medical history, medications, emergency contacts, doctor’s names etc.) that will help paramedics expediteemergency medical treatment and/or transition to a physician’s care. Vial of Life forms are available on the Township’s web site, www.wtwp.com, or by request at 614-652-3920.
They are especially helpful when the person in need of medical care cannot speak or isn’t old enough to be able to provide the necessary information, or when by-standers or family members are panicked or confused and have difficulty remembering all the details paramedics need.
Visit link to learn more about the History of the 911 call.
“Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
LiveSafe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. LiveSafe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. LiveSafe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: 9-1-1 calls, education, emergency calls, ems, fire safety, Washington Township Fire Department
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National Burn Awareness Week is February 7-13, 2010. Because burn injuries are common in the U.S., especially among children, increasing awareness about how to prevent burn injuries and knowing what to do if you get burned is especially crucial. The three most common types of burns are electrical, chemical, and thermal.
Help prevent electrical burns by installing outlet plug covers, using extension cords wisely by not exceeding the load rating, discarding damaged cords and unplugging appliances before repairing them. Also, never use electrical appliances such as hair dryers, electric shavers, or curling irons near water. Prevent chemical burns by using cabinet locks to prevent children from accessing any stored chemicals. Use caution when purchasing chemicals and, when possible, try to select chemicals that are less toxic and therefore less dangerous to children should they be accidentally exposed.
Many thermal burns occur outdoors (sun exposure) and in the kitchen and bathroom. To prevent thermal burns, apply sunscreen and limit your sun exposure. In the kitchen, turn pot handles toward the center of your stove so they cannot be easily bumped. Use back burners when children are present; use splatter shields when frying; and monitor children near the stove. Be cautious when moving hot pots or uncovering hot microwaved items. Use heat-resistant pot holders for both hands. In the bathroom, unplug hair dryers and curling irons when they are not in use and keep them out of reach of children. Adjust bath water for younger children, ensuring that it is not warmer than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Treatment varies depending on the type of burn. For electrical burns, first protect yourself by not going near or touching the victim until you are sure the power has been turned off, the plug has been disconnected from the source, or the victim is free from electricity. For both wet and dry chemical burns, treatment involves removal of the product according to the label directions and instructions from Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
Treatment for thermal burns is dependent on many factors including the type of burn, severity, the person’s medical history, age, and condition. Many situations can be addressed with basic first aid while others require professional medical treatment.
If you are interested to learn basic first aid you can use to treat minor burns, call the Washington Township Fire Department at 614-652-3920 to register for a first aid class. For more information about burn prevention and safety, pick up a free brochure at the Fire Administration Building or one of our four fire stations.
“Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
LiveSafe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. LiveSafe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. LiveSafe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: burn awareness week, chemical, electrical, poison control, scald burns, thermal, Washington Township Fire Department
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Numerous appliance products, if not properly installed, used and maintained, can become fire hazards. One appliance often overlooked in the home is the clothes dryer. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2006, more than 16,000 home structure fires were caused by this appliance. And the leading cause of these fires was a lack of maintenance. Items such as clothing, dust, fiber, or lint, normally found in a dryer, accounted for 60% of the combustible materials first ignited in clothes dryer fires. To avoid a clothes dryer fire, follow these essential safety precautions:
- Clean the lint filter in the dryer before or after each use because accumulated dust and lint can be a fire hazard. Do not operate the dryer without the filter. Also, remove accumulated lint around the drum.
- Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
- Verify that the exhaust vent pipe is not restricted by snow, leaves, or other materials and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
- Do not leave the dryer running if you leave your home because, if it malfunctions, no one will be there to avert a possible disaster.
- Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles such as boxes and clothing.
- Never dry items that have come in contact with flammable substances such as cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner or alcohol. Even after washing, clothing can still contain residues that can ignite.
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
It is important to keep dryers in good working order to avoid problems associated with lack of maintenance and part failures. Gas dryers should be occasionally inspected by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
“Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
LiveSafe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. LiveSafe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. LiveSafe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: appliances, clothes dryers, dryer lint, dryer vent, fire safety, home fires, insurance, nfpa
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Dublin, OH- Will you ever have a fire in your home? We all hope not but, if you ever do, will you know what to do? Your life and the lives of your family members may depend on it.
Most people aren’t prepared for a fire. Maybe it’s because they think it will never happen to them or, if it does, they won’t have any trouble getting out safely. In most fires, you’ll have only three to four minutes to escape safely. This is not enough time to devise a plan and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do.
Devising an escape plan now and practicing it with your family can help insure that everyone will get out safely, should you ever have a fire. For most, fires are scary and unfamiliar. By practicing an escape plan, you could help your family react faster and make better choices for their safe escape, even though they may be panicked and frightened.
Image provided by www.firesafety.gov
- Plan two ways out of every room, and include the windows as an option.
- Test the emergency exits, like the windows, to make sure you can open them and remove the screens and storm windows inside.
- Test all smoke alarms monthly to ensure that they work. Replace batteries as needed.
- Make sure everyone understands the escape plan and recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm. If children or others do not readily awaken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants or other family members with mobility limitations, make sure that your plan identifies someone to assist them.
- Teach your family to stay low and crawl below the smoke to avoid its poisonous gases. Crawling to the exits is vital as 80% of all fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.
- Arrange for a meeting place outside the home. Make sure everyone knows to get out quickly, go to the meeting place, and not return for any reason, not even for pets or a favorite toy.
- Call the fire department from a neighbor’s house or use a cellular phone. Do not stay in a burning building to use a phone.
Do you have a fire safety or EMS question? We welcome your inquiries at fireinfo@wtwp.com.
Guest “Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Images provided by Google and www.firesafety.gov.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: ems, escape route, fire safety, ladder
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Fire safety is especially critical for older adults because they are at the greatest risk among all age groups for injury and death by fire. Fatality rates for Americans, 65 and older, are more than twice the national average. For those over 75, the rates are three times the national average.
The three leading causes of home deaths for older adults are smoking accidents, faulty or misused heating equipment, and cooking accidents. How can you reduce your risk of falling victim to one of these causes?
- Never smoke in bed or when drowsy from medication. Use deep ashtrays and keep them off furniture arms and other unstable surfaces. Douse cigarette butts with water before throwing them away or dispose of them in a metal container.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that burns and out of entrances and doorways.
- In the kitchen, shield yourself from steam when uncovering food to prevent scalding.
- Wear clothing with close-fitting sleeves or secure your sleeves so they are not likely to come in contact with burners. If your clothing does catch fire, smother the fire with a heavy coat or blanket or by rolling on the ground if you are able.
- Use a timer or handy kitchen item like a potholder to remind you to check on cooking in progress. If you are interrupted while cooking, turn off the burners.
- Don’t let grease collect in your broiler, stove, oven, or exhaust fan duct. Have on hand a multipurpose fire extinguisher (Type ABC) and know how to use it.
- Most importantly, have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. They have been shown to reduce your risk of fire death by half. Early detection is important if you need to escape from a burning structure.
Have your glasses, a telephone, and walking aids close to your bed so you can respond quickly.
Guest “Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Images provided by Google.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: fire safety, nursing homes, older adults, Senior Citizens, space heaters
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Candles have become very popular over the last ten years. The industry is a $2 billion industry. The large variety of shapes, sizes, colors, containers, and fragrances offered have contributed to their popularity and wide use in nearly every room of the house. Seven out of ten homes in the U.S. use candles throughout the year to decorate, create a desired mood, celebrate, add fragrance, mask odors and generate light.
During 2005, candles in U.S. homes caused an estimated 15,600 reported structure fires, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated property damage.
The winter holiday season is a peak time for candle burning as we take part in end-of-year holiday celebrations. Historically, the number of home candle fires in December increases by more than 50% compared to other months of the year. Start implementing safe habits for candle use throughout the year. Never underestimate the damage that a small flame can do.
- Extinguish candles before you leave the room or go to bed.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire such as flammable decorations, curtains, carpets, books, papers and Christmas trees.
- Burn candles on a heat-resistant surface in a stable, non-flammable container that grips or holds the candle securely, can catch any drips or melted wax, and is not subject to cracking or breaking when heated (tempered).
- Keep wicks trimmed to ¼ inch.
- Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes too high.
Consider Flameless Candles
- Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder and votive and container candles before the last half inch of wax begins to melt.
- Keep candles away from flammable liquids and never use one to check a pilot light or when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame could ignite the fumes into flame. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are much safer light sources than candles during a power failure.
- Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room but away from drafts, vents and air currents to help prevent rapid, uneven burning, smoking, and excessive dripping. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame where they could catch fire.
- Don’t allow teens to have candles in their bedrooms. Forty percent of candle fires start in the bedroom.
Guest “Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Images provided by Google.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: burns, candles, fire safety
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As the holiday gift-giving season is upon us, so begins our shopping for the toys we enjoy giving the special children in our lives. Selecting the right toy can be a challenge as there are millions from which to choose and new ones appearing on the shelves each year. Although toys are intended to be fun, they can be pose hazards to their users if not soundly designed and constructed or if the toy is not intended for the age of its user. Nationwide, nearly 173,000 children (ages 14 and under) were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries last year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Check the National Safe Kids Campaign web site, www.safekids.org, for updates and information on recent toy recalls.
Do you know what toys are safe for your child? When evaluating the ones you are considering this year, remember to:
- Consider the child’s age, interests and skill level. Look for quality in design and construction, and follow age and safety recommendations on labels.
- Consider purchasing a small parts tester (also known as a choke tube) to determine whether small toys may present a choking hazard to children under the age of three. Small parts testers or choke tubes can be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores.
- Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, toys that produce loud sounds, or projectiles (ie. darts, firing rockets).
- Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than seven inches that may pose a risk for strangulation.
- Avoid electric-powered toys with heating elements for children under the age of eight.
- Avoid cap guns as the caps they use can be ignited by the slightest friction and can cause serious burns.
Guest “Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Images provided by Google.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: Gifts, holiday giving, kids, product safety, toy recall, toys
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‘Tis the season for holiday decorating. Keep your tree, lights, and other decorations from becoming fire hazards with these simple fire-safe tips.
Before you buy a natural, cut tree, check it for freshness. Shedding needles are a sign of a dry tree which can be a serious hazard in your home. Dry trees can burn like a torch and spread a fire in your home. Test a tree’s freshness by bending a sampling of needles in half. Fresh needles won’t break when bent and won’t be easy to pull off the branch.
Once your tree is home, keep it outside until you are ready to decorate it. Just before bringing it in, cut off the base of the trunk, one to two inches, and place it in a stable base with an ample-sized water reservoir. Making a fresh cut on the trunk enhances water uptake so your tree will stay fresher longer.
Heavy needle drop is an indication that your tree is getting dry. If you observe heavy needle drop before you want to remove your tree, limit the time it is lit to reduce the risk of fire.
Position your tree away from heat vents, space heaters, and out of exit ways. Check all lighting before you put it on the tree. Electric arcing of frayed or broken areas on lights, cords, and plugs causes half of Christmas tree fires. Throw damaged lights away. Do not chance repairing. No more than three sets of lights should be connected to a single extension cord. Overloaded cords can start a fire. Keep all lights and electrical cords away from the water in the tree stand, and away from curtains and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations. Make sure you unplug all lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.
Decorate Safely with Trees and Lights
Use weatherproof lights and electrical cords to decorate outside. Remove them at the end of the season, as they are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to weather and sunlight. If you purchase new lights or electrical cords, make sure they bear the initials of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to insure they conform to safety standards.
Candles are especially popular this time of year. Don’t use them on your tree or in window sills. Use electric candles with the UL label instead. If you burn candles, use fire proof holders and remove decorations or floral arrangements that are in or around the container. Always extinguish candles before you leave the room, house, or go to sleep.
Do not burn trees, decorations, or wrapping paper in your fireplace. A flash fire may result as they can ignite suddenly and may exceed the capacity of your fireplace.
Have a safe and merry holiday season.
Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Images provided by Google.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: candles, Christmas, fire hazards, Holiday, Holiday decorating, home, lights, trees, UL
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Cold winter temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze and burst. Although frozen water pipes aren’t a life threatening situation, they can cause extensive damage to homes when the water in the pipes thaws and sprays through the cracks caused by the ice. Another possible result of frozen pipes is fire, which occurs when propane torches are used to thaw pipes near wall studs, paneling, cabinet and other flammable materials.
The best defense against water and fire damage due to frozen pipes is to reduce your risk of having frozen pipes in the first place. So, before extremely cold temperatures set in, insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas such as outside walls, garages, or crawl spaces by wrapping them with insulation specifically designed for this use.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If left attached, the water, when it freezes, can damage even frost-proof spigots. If you have an older spigot that is not frost proof, shut the water supply off to that spigot and open it to drain any water inside it. Seal access doors, air vents and cracks. Winter winds can quickly freeze exposed water pipes. Do not seal air vents that your furnace and water heater need for proper combustion.
If you leave your home for an extended period, make sure your thermostat is set no lower than 55° F and have someone check your house daily to make sure your heat is on or shut off. If no one is available to check your home, drain the water system (except interior sprinkler systems) until you return. Have your plumber’s phone number handy in the event that you need to reach him/her while you are away.
If your pipes freeze and you think you know where the freeze has occurred and want to thaw it yourself, do not, under any circumstance, warm the pipe with a torch and risk starting a fire. Consult a plumber to assist you and call your insurance agent.
Make sure you and your family members know how to shut off the water supply in the event that you have a pipe freeze, burst and thaw. Stopping the flow of water immediately can minimize the damage to your home. Remember to always be aware of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: cold temperatures, fire, thermostat, water pipes, winter
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