A Message from the Chief

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Home Fire Safety Tips

• Smoke Detector Safety:
  • Install a smoke detector on every floor and inside each bedroom of your home.
  • Test & clean your smoke detectors monthly.
  • Change batteries at least once a year.
  • Prepare & practice an escape plan.
    
    
• Wood Stoves & Fireplaces:
  • Use only seasoned wood—never green wood, artificial logs or trash.
  • Always use protective screen.
  • Clean interior of fireplaces & chimneys annually.
    
    
• Portable Heaters:
  • Keep portable heaters & space heaters at least 3-feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
  • Use heaters only in well-ventilated rooms.
  • Keep children and pets away from heaters.
  • Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.
    
    
• Roof:
  • Remove dead branches overhanging roof.
  • Clean dead leaves from roof and rain gutters.
  • Cover chimney outlet with a spark arrestor.
    
    
• Cooking Safety:
  • Never leave food unattended on the stove.
  • Keep dangling clothing away from burners.
  • Keep appliances clean & free of grease and crumbs.
  • Keep combustibles away from cooking areas.
  • Turn pot handles inward on stove where you can’t bump them and children can’t grab them.
    
    
• Children & Fire Safety:
  • Keep lighters and matches away from children.
  • Teach them how to call emergency assistance.
  • Use safety plugs in electrical outlets.
  • If you see smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 immediately!
    
    
  Robert L. Gill, Fire Chief