Tyler Fire Department Offers Holiday Safety Tips
Posted/updated on: December 16, 2012 at 5:42 pm
TYLER This year, as you are preparing your home for the holiday season, make sure that you implement a few simple fire prevention practices. Thats the word from the Tyler Fire Department.
* Space Heaters:
o Maintain a clear space of three feet around the device;
o Ensure that portable heaters have a safety switch that will turn off the device if it gets tipped over.
* Fireplaces:
o Similar to space heaters, maintain a clear space of three feet around the fireplace opening;
o Have the fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned;
o Ensure that a screen or some other protective barrier is in place to keep embers from getting out.
* Christmas Lights and Decorations:
o Inspect cords and discontinue use if damaged;
o Do not run cords under rugs, carpet, or along areas of high traffic where they may be stepped on;
o Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
* Christmas Trees:
o Do not set trees near heat sources;
o If using a live tree, make sure to keep it watered;
o Turn off all decorations at bedtime.
Finally, make sure that you give your home the proper Check-Up:
* Check up above you for one of the most important devices in your homethe smoke alarm.
These life-saving devices should be located in each sleeping area of your home, in addition to areas directly outside of the sleeping areas. For multi-story homes, a working smoke alarm should be located on all levels of the residence, including any basements.
The Tyler Fire Department recommends that you change the batteries in your smoke alarms two times each year and test them often. A great reminderChange your clocks, change your batteries. If you havent already done so, now would be a great time to perform this simple maintenance procedure that could save your life, and the lives of your family. Statistics show that having a working smoke alarm in your home increases the chance of survival by almost 50%in the event of a fire.
A news release says, The Tyler Fire Department would like to wish all citizens a safe and happy holiday season. With your help, we can prevent unnecessary fires and the injuries associated with them.
