Winter Fire Safety

 Why are smoke alarms so important?

 Toxic smoke puts humans into a deeper sleep and then unconsciousness .You need this device to warn you of a fire. The earlier warning you get, the more time you have to escape.

 How often do I need to test the alarms and change the batteries?

 Test your smoke alarms monthly and install new batteries each year. A 9-volt battery can make the difference between escape, or falling into a deeper sleep and dying in a fire.

 My children just completed Home Escape Plan homework in school. Do we need to do a home fire drill?

 Absolutely. Practice is how we learn to evacuate safely and calmly. Because children practice fire drills every month at school, they know what to do to escape fire there. But most fires happen at home, at night when everyone is asleep.

 What should our escape plan include?

 Your family needs to know what the smoke alarms sound like, have at least two ways out of the house and understand where you will meet. The meeting place should be a designated spot, out of harm’s way where everyone will go to make certain that no one is trapped inside.

 What is the cause of most house fires in Boulder?

 Candles are the leading cause of house fires in Boulder. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or falling asleep. Keep candles away from anything that burns, including curtains, tablecloths, or holiday decorations. Even small, “safe” candles have caused devastating fires. Candle bases need to be large enough to contain all the melted wax and keep the flame from spreading.

 Where should we keep a fire extinguisher and what type is best?

 An A-B-C fire extinguisher is multi-purpose and can be used on electrical, wood/paper or fuel fires.  Keep fire extinguishers handy near high risk areas: kitchens, fireplaces and garages.

 If I need to use an extension cord, what do I need to know?  

 Use heavy duty cords and power strips with surge protectors. Extension cords can overheat if covered by a rug or furniture.

 I love to decorate for the holidays. What advice do you have for me regarding decorations?

 Use cool burning lights and battery-operated candles for holiday lighting. Always unplug the lights before leaving the house or going to bed. If you have a live tree in your home, be sure to keep it well-watered and check the needles frequently for excessive dryness.

 Do we need a carbon monoxide detector, and if so, where should we put it?

 Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. These toxic fumes are odorless and invisible. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace, attached garages and any fuel-consuming appliance, such as a wood stove or space heater.

 We just moved into a new condo and want to use our fireplace. What do we need to know to be fire safe?

 Have your chimney cleaned every year to avoid soot buildup and make sure it is in good working condition before you use it. Fireplace ashes need to be discarded in metal containers and doused with water to cool completely.

 Home fires CAN and DO happen in Boulder. Please help the Boulder Fire Department and keep yourself and your family safe from fire.

Last Updated on Thursday, 05 July 2012 08:18