October is a transitional month for weather in the Northwest. It often starts off with mild days and nights, but in the end can be rainy, breezy, and much cooler. November is often the rainiest month of the year – as well as one of the windiest. December is just plain cold, wet, and occasionally snowy.
This change in weather means that people will be turning on furnaces for the first time since spring, using fireplaces and woodstoves, and enduring wind induced power outages.
The Kent Fire Department RFA would like to offer the following safety tips to help ensure that our residents have a safe fall and winter.
Heating safety:
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Have furnaces, wood burning stoves, and fire places inspected by a professional to ensure they are clean and in good working order.
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Move all flammable materials at least three feet away from baseboard or electric heaters. This includes clothing, bedding material, and drapes.
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Place ashes from a fireplace or stove in a metal container with a tightly sealed lid keep it outdoors, away from flammable materials.
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Always have working smoke alarms. Have one in each bedroom, in the hallway outside the bedrooms, near the kitchen, and at least one on each floor of your home.
Power outages:
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Beware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). This deadly gas is a by-product of incomplete burning and is produced by common household devices such as your BBQ and gas powered electric generator. Never bring these CO producing items into your home.
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Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home for year around safety.
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Use candles sparingly. Never leave burning candles unattended. When you go out – blow it out.
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Place candles in sturdy non-tipping bases and away from flammable materials. Keep pets and children away from burning candles.
Be prepared:
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Be ready for anything by preparing for five to seven days. Make a plan for your family in the event of a disaster; Build a kit to provide necessary items; Get involved by registering for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
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Keep tire chains, extra clothing, food, and water in your vehicles. Always refill the fuel tank when it reaches one-half of a tank.
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Survey your property and look for any trees, branches, or other objects that may pose a hazard to your home during a windstorm. Have trees and branches removed professionally.
Don’t forget! When you change your clock on November 2nd and “fall back” one hour, change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well.
Trivia: Remember to replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
