Despite a mild start to winter the South Jordan Fire Department wants to provide some tips to stay safe this winter. Winter is the peak season for home fires, with heating, holiday decorations, and candles increasing the risk. The South Jordan Fire Department along with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration is raising awareness through their “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign to help keep you safe.
Heating Equipment Safety
Did you know heating equipment is involved in 1 of every 7 home fires and 1 of every 5 fire-related deaths? Follow these safety tips:
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters.
- Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Never use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
Generator and Electrical Safety
Winter storms can lead to power outages, making portable generators essential for some households. To stay safe:
- Always use generators outside, away from windows, and far from your home.
- Plug in only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time to prevent overloading.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent threat that is produced from gas appliances in and around the home. To protect your family, please consider the following:
- Installing CO alarms on every level of your home.
- Test smoke detector alarms monthly to ensure they’re working appropriately.
Following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of fires and other hazards during the winter months. For more safety tips, contact the South Jordan Fire Department or visit NFPA.org.
This winter, let’s work together to keep South Jordan safe and warm!