Forney Fire Chief Rick Townsend and Fire Marshall John Holcomb are hoping for a quiet winter in Forney. They know that there are a number of preventable fires that can happen in winter months, overloaded electrical outlets, space heaters, and dirty fireplaces are just a few of the fire dangers we all face. Townsend and Holcomb are offering fire safety tips that help keep you and your family safe this winter.
Forney Fire Chief Rick Townsend and Fire Marshall John Holcomb are hoping for a quiet winter in Forney. They know that there are a number of preventable fires that can happen in winter months, overloaded electrical outlets, space heaters, and dirty fireplaces are just a few of the fire dangers we all face. Townsend and Holcomb are offering fire safety tips that help keep you and your family safe this winter.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “An estimated 108,400 winter residential building fires occur each year in the United States.” One of the biggest causes of fire is cooking, which is a great reason to have an ABC fire extinguisher in your home. Chief Townsend recommends not storing the extinguisher too close to the stove oven, because if the fire starts there, it will make it too dangerous to safely reach the fire extinguisher.
Smoke Detectors/ Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire Marshall Holcomb says that your home should have a smoke detector in every bedroom, and in any hallway where three or more bedrooms are located. He says that buying a cheap detector is not the way to go, “It's there to save your family's lives, so make sure it's UL tested and works properly.” Holcomb advises that we change the batteries in our smoke detectors twice a year and test them monthly.
Chief Townsend knows the dangers of carbon monoxide, otherwise known as the silent killer. Entire families have lost their lives to this odorless, tasteless, colorless poison. Having a UL tested carbon monoxide detector in your home can help give you peace of mind. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness or sleepiness, and breathing difficulties. If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home, get out of the house immediately and call 911.
Chief Townsend said one of the biggest culprits of CM poisoning during the winter months comes from people who warm up their cars in the attached garage, without opening the garage door. The exhaust emits CM and can in a very short time cause symptoms of CM poisoning.
Forney Fire Department performs water rescue in East Fork Trinity River
Fireplace/Chimney
Be sure your fireplace is clean before use. It is recommended that you get your chimney and fireplace inspected once a year. You may need to have it cleaned yearly, depending on how often the fireplace is used. An accumulation of a highly flammable substance called creosote can build up inside your chimney, which can cause an out of control fire. Before starting a fire, be sure to check that your flue is in the open position, it is a mistake most people have made at least once.
Space Heaters
This is another case of “you get what you pay for.” It's worth spending a little more money on a quality space heater. Fire Marshall Holcomb says that keeping all combustible items at least three feet away from your space heater is essential. Most heaters will turn off automatically if they are knocked over, but having laundry, curtains, or other objects too close to the heater can cause a fire. Another tip from Holcomb is to make sure you plug your space heater directly into a wall socket and not into a power strip. A space heater can easily overload many power strips.
Electrical Outlets/Power Strips
According to FEMA, “Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring.” Check your electrical appliances and wiring and make sure to replace any worn appliance cords. Make sure that your power strips and surge protectors have been UL tested and contain an internal overload protection. Power strips are not all the same, the less expensive they are, the less protection they offer. Do your research before purchasing a power strip and don't overload it once you buy it.
Burn Ban
Kaufman County is not currently under a burn ban, however, in the City of Forney you are not allowed to burn trash, and any fire that you have outside must be in an approved fire pit.
Home Escape Plan
You should plan and routinely practice a home escape plan with your family, in case of a fire. Make sure all windows in your home are working properly, and consider having a home escape ladder. The National Fire Protection Association offers tips on their website on how to create an escape plan. Click here for the NFPA website.
