Caldwell Fire Officials List 7 Safety Tips to Prevent House Fires This Season

With winter on its way, the Caldwell Fire Bureau offers safety tips to remind local residents to be wary of the increased potential of dangerous home fires during the winter season.

“Last year the beginning of the winter brought with it several serious house fires in town,” Caldwell Fire Official Mark Giuliani stated. “We want our community residents to be especially on guard, and vigilant during this season. Our message to the community is Let’s Stay Fire Safe.”

Check Your Alarms

Make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home.

Make a Family Fire Escape Plan

“Fires today burn hotter, move faster, and produce more toxic smoke than ever before,” Fire Official Giuliani said. “You and your family may have only minutes to get out alive. Know the difference between the sound of your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm and get out and stay out when it sounds.”

The Fire Official added that Caldwell families should practice in home fire drills and have an escape plan with two exits from each room.

Electrical Fires

These fires can move quickly through a home inside a wall without your knowledge until the fire finally breaks through and triggers the alarm. Overloading electric sockets or power strips can heat up and cause an electrical fire.

“Old, frayed or worn wires or cords on appliances are also dangerous,” Giuliani added. “Replace them with safety approved devices.”

Handle Candles With Care

Candles can offer ambience for your winter home, but they still pose a threat, especially if left unattended. All candles should be placed in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic containers. Do not place candles in a spot where they can be knocked over. Consider using realistic, battery powered flameless candles instead.

Furnaces, Chimneys, Fireplaces

All of these utilities should be inspected and serviced regularly to ensure that they are operating properly. When using a fireplace, make sure to have a fireplace screen in place to guard against any stray embers, and never leave any fire unattended. Dispose of fireplace ashes in fireproof metal receptacles with lids and store in a secure area away from buildings.

Christmas Trees

A dried out Christmas tree can fuel an explosive fire. With the holiday season approaching, remember to water live Christmas trees to keep them from drying out too quickly.

Never use lights on a dried out tree. Properly dispose of used matches or cigarette butts by running them under water, and be especially watchful for anything that might be smoldering after holiday parties.

Cooking Safety Tips

Don’t take your eyes off the stove when cooking a meal. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing, which may ignite and cause serious burns when near the stove.

“Don’t use water to extinguish a greasy fire, instead place a lid on the pot or pan, or use baking soda to smother a small fire,” Giuliani said. “Never try to extinguish a large fire. If a large fire occurs, get out and call the fire department immediately.”

Giuliani added that cooking is the leading cause of fires and fire injuries within the home.

“Fire prevention and fire safety is important all year long but especially important as we approach the holiday season and the winter months,” Giuliani said. “The Caldwell Fire Prevention Bureau encourages residents to enjoy the holiday season and avoid tragedy by staying “Fire Safe.”

Photo courtesy of the Caldwell Fire Bureau