Winter Season Safety tips
 
By WBFC
November 15, 2022
 

It's that time of the year when old man winter makes his presence for the next few months. Follow these home safety tips to keep you home warm and your family safe.

Smoke detectors:
If you don't have one get one! Also check the batteries twice a year! If you need a smoke detector we can help you get one installed.

CO alarms:
* These alarms help protect your family from CO( Carbon monoxide) poisoning. Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas.
*Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
*Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Check your heating system
*Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
Keep an up-to-date emergency kit pdf icon[PDF – 6.5 MB], including:
Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps;
Extra batteries;
First-aid kit and extra medicine;
Baby items; and
Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
Protect your family from carbon monoxide (CO).
Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage.
Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house.
Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911., and ventilated to the outside.
*Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
*Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.

DO NOT plug space heaters into power strips, Space heaters can over heat the power strip so plug them into the wall outlet that can handle the higher wattage. Also keep anything that can burn 3 feet from the space heater.
Be prepared for Weather emergencies
*Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
*Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
*When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
*Keep an up-to-date emergency kit including:
Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps;
Extra batteries;
First-aid kit and extra medicine;
Baby items; and
Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
*Protect your family from carbon monoxide (CO).
Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage.
Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house.
Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.