LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Eloy Vega,

Laredo, TX:  Our community has experienced a cold spell that will last at least until Friday. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in the early morning hours. With this in mind, the Laredo Fire Department would like to offer the following safety tips to the public:

• Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.
• Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires.
• Deaths due to fires caused by heating a home are particularly preventable.
• Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chance of dying in a fire by nearly a half.

Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically. Please share them with your audience because prevention is the best fire protection.

Winter Heating Fire Safety Life-Saving Tips

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year (preferably twice, spring and fall). Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
• Space heaters need space. Keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.
• When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
• Carefully follow manufacturers’ installation and maintenance instructions.
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of foliage or other obstruction for easy access.
• If you own a fireplace, keep the fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.
• In case of a fire, crawl or stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke, and have an escape plan already worked out. Get out, stay out.

 Also, monitor local news for the latest on forecasts, and advisories regarding developing weather information.