Winter Safety Tips

Portable Space Heater Tips

• If you use a kerosene heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
• Never put gasoline in a kerosene heater - it could explode.
  
• Before you refuel the heater, turn it off and let it cool down, then refuel outside only.
• Keep a 36 inch clearance between space heaters and anything that can burn, including bedding, furniture, and clothing.
• Never drape clothing over a space heater to dry.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Never leave children in a room alone when a space heater is in use.
• When using a kerosene heater, keep a door open to the rest of the house or open a window slightly. This will reduce the chance of carbon monoxide build-up in the room.
• Portable space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room or go to bed.
• If unvented gas space heaters are used in bedrooms or bathrooms, make sure they are small and well-mounted.

Fireplace Or Wood Stove Tips

• Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed.
• Open the flue and use a sturdy fireplace screen when you have a fire.
• Burn only untreated wood; never burn paper or pine branches--pieces can float out the chimney and ignite your roof, a neighbor's roof, or nearby trees.
• If you use a wood-burning stove, have the chimney connection and flue checked each year.
• Make sure the stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals.
• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
• Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.
• When burning wood in fireplaces or wood stoves, it is important to use properly seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20-25%. Wood that is too well-seasoned may result in creosote build-up.

Other Heating Tips

• Never use your range or oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors and all other solid-fueled heating equipment inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned as often as inspections suggest.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm near each bedroom and on each floor of your home.
• If your smoke detector sounds, immediately leave your home and call 911 or your local fire department from a neighbors house.
• If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, call 911 or your local fire department and immediately move to fresh air.
• Test your alarms monthly and change the battery once a year.
• Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, get fresh air right away and contact a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Clearing Snow And Ice

• Dress warmly, paying special attention to feet, hands, nose, and ears.
• Avoid shoveling snow if you are out of shape. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel snow unless your doctor says it's okay.
• Do light warm-up exercises before shoveling and take frequent breaks.
• If possible, push snow in front of you. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back.
• Do not toss snow over your shoulder or to the side.
• Don't drink alcohol before or while shoveling snow.
• Never smoke while shoveling.
• Use rock salt or de-icing compounds to remove ice from steps, walkways, and sidewalks. Sand placed on walkways may also help prevent slipping.

Using A Snow Blower

• Read the owner's manual before starting your snow blower. Make sure you understand all the recommended safety steps.
• Make sure all people and pets are out of the way before you begin.
• Do not put your hand in the snow blower to remove impacted snow or debris. Turn the machine off and wait a few seconds. Then use a stick or broom handle to remove the material.
• Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running.
• Fill up with fuel before you start, when the engine is cool.