National Fire Prevention Month: How To Keep Warm AND Safe

As temperatures drop, it’s easy to seek ways to stay warm. Even if some people like the cold, a warm space is crucial for a comfortable living experience. However, in the pursuit of staying warm, we may increase risks, including fire. That’s why many fire stations and local organizations highlight these risks during National Fire Prevention Month to help everyone stay safe and warm. The Black Jack Fire Protection District is part of that effort. Our residents should understand that staying vigilant is crucial when trying to beat the cold. Taking a few extra precautions now can help to prevent unfortunate accidents and keep you, your family, and your household safe as we head into colder weather. 

Space Heaters: Dos & Dont’s

When it gets cold, many bring out the space heaters. They're a portable, convenient source of heat, and they can be personal or shared. However, even when people plug one in, they still tend to add blankets to stay warm. Nice and cozy, yes. The bad news is that it is a fire hazard, as blankets could smother the heater. The blankets themselves could ignite if the heater gets too hot. Or if there is a spark. One spark can lead to bigger problems. Don’t worry, the difference between a safe way and the wrong way in using a space heater are clear. Here are some safe practices to heed when it comes to using a space heater:

DO

• Place heater on a flat surface

• Keep a 3-foot space from anything made of cloth (curtains, rugs, blankets, clothes, etc.)

• Check the cord and plug each time before use.

• Plug directly into an outlet.

• Keep it within sight and monitored

• Turn it off and unplug after every use.

• Use modern models with safety features such as overheat protection sensors and an automatic tip-over switch.

DON’T

• Place the heater on flimsy or soft areas.

• Crowd it with lots of items, cloth, or otherwise.

• Plug it into a shared power source like a power bar.

• Leave it on or unattended for any period of time.

  
  

Practice Fire Prevention With Us This Month

In and around the home, fire risks exist. The space heater may seem riskiest, but fire hazards exist throughout the living area. We talked about some of those risks in one of our summer blogs. Those guidelines still apply, so that we will repeat them in the list below. The key is keeping electrical and heat sources away from flammable items. Reduce your risk of a fire emergency by:

• Cleaning dry leaves and yard debris from around your home.

• Keeping grills away from structures and combustible materials.

• Never leaving fire pits or grills unattended.

• Properly extinguishing campfires and backyard fires.

• Keeping stacked logs or lumber away from the house.

• Avoiding plugging too many plugs into one power source.

• Never leaving any appliance on or unattended.

Review Your Family’s Fire Escape Plans

A good plan is a simple one. Cover the necessary details, but it doesn’t have to be a college thesis. When everyone in the family knows the plan, it is more likely to go as smoothly as possible (even in an emergency). The plan for a fire is to get out safely and quickly. Best practice is to identify two ways out, if possible. This could mean using a ladder or bedsheets as a rope to get out a window. Also make sure everyone in the home knows where all fire extinguishers, blankets, and kits are. 

The next step, whether dealing with a small fire or escaping a spreading one, is to reach a designated safe meeting place. This helps if anyone gets separated during the rush to get away from the fire. An established plan helps everyone keep a level (or more level) head, reducing panic, injuries, and confusion. 

Smoke Alarms & Detectors

Beyond having a plan, it's best to have the right tools to help you stay safe. Smoke alarms and smoke detectors do what they're named for. It's a great advantage to be alerted if a fire is starting or already happening. So take this as a helpful reminder to check the batteries and make sure they work. These devices give you time on your side. They alert you to the situation and potential danger, and tell you to put it out.

Carbon Monoxide

Some smoke detectors sense rising carbon monoxide levels. Others are solely for monitoring levels within a space. Some of those can be purchased and plugged into a wall if you want to add one more to your home. It's just extra help in making sure your family is safe. If you can’t see a fire or there's an unseen cause of a rise in carbon monoxide, it will let you know it's time to leave the house. You should still call the fire department to check the air quality before going back in.

Check Lithium-Ion Batteries

Add this to your list of things to check, along with the smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, and space heater. If there is any in your home, that is. As not every home has these on hand. Lithium-ion batteries are a concern because they can cause a chemical fire if they overheat or explode. So handle them with care, keep them away from other objects, and check them frequently. Better safe than sorry when it comes to any fire hazards.

Partner With Black Jack Fire Protection District And Keep Yourself and Your Community Safe

October is National Fire Prevention Month. But just because this is the main time for these discussions doesn’t mean we should forget that safety is always a priority. That’s why Black Jack Fire Protection District uses every available measure, such as emergency response and community education, to protect our residents.

Have additional questions about how to keep yourself, your loved ones, and other members of your community safe this season? Contact Black Jack Fire Protection District today for more information about the public safety resources available to residents throughout the Florissant area.