Staying safe while staying warm ahead of winter

This week is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. Today’s topic is home and heat safety.

Winter poses multiple threats. Tuesday’s topic talked about travel safety and plans you should have when traveling in the winter. You should also have a plan for your home during the winter months as well.

Alternate sources of heating

If your power goes out, have a backup plan now. Keep extra blankets at home, have gas for a generator, keep wood handy if you have a fireplace, and also keep a fire extinguisher handy as well in case there is an emergency while heating your home.

Kitchen Safety

Keep the kitchen clutter-free
Don’t leave anything unattended
Keep hot pots and pans away from children
Never throw water on a grease fire
Keep small fire extinguishers handy
Keep candles away from flammable objects
Keep a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm installed and up-to-date
Call 911 if there is a fire, regardless if you put it out or not

Fireplace Safety

Keep your fireplace clean
Have it inspected on a yearly basis
Do not burn items that shouldn’t be burned
Keep your wood in a moisture-controlled area
Never dispose of ashes in a flammable container
If you have a gas-burning fireplace and you smell gas or think you have a leak, call 911

Space Heater Safety

Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from anything flammable
When you go to bed or leave the house, turn the space heater off
Do not plug space heaters into extension cords
Do not plug multiple space heaters into one outlet
Buy a brand new space heater, new ones have safety features in case they get knocked over

Furnace Safety

Have your furnace inspected once a year
Keep it clean so it does not overheat

Outdoor firepit Safety

Do not burn anything you are not supposed to
Build the firepit on a concrete slab
Build the firepit away from any structures
Keep a hose handy
Keep a screen over the top of a wood-burning firepit to keep ashes from flying around