RFD urges safe holidays
Each season brings with it its own risks, and now that Alabama is creeping into colder weather, Russellville fire marshal Justin Green is sharing some fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association for everyone to keep in mind.
When it comes to keeping a space warm, several hazards become possibilities. Half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February, and heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire death. To stay safe and warm this winter, keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment and have a three-foot “child-free zone” around open flames and space heaters.
These tips will also aid in safety this season:
- Don’t use an oven to heat the home.
- Qualified professionals should be the only ones to install equipment, and all heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year.
- Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Use the proper, manufacturer-specified fuel in heating.
- Keep a sturdy screen in front of a fireplace.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
The RFD will share additional tips and advice each week as the season progresses.
