Now is the perfect time to review and practice fire safety

In January 2020, the NYC Fire Commissioner announced the city had 66 civilian fire deaths in 2019, 25% fewer deaths than in 2018.  Although encouraging, winter remains peak time for fire related deaths. Cooking and heating are the leading causes of home fires and fire injuries. 

Cooking

Be alert when cooking. Remain in the kitchen when you are cooking and use a timer. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove top. Do not wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame.

Candles

Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room. Always use stable candle holders and place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over. Keep candles away from anything combustible. To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible.  

Electric Space Heaters

Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Heaters are not dryers or tables; do not dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater. Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.

Electrical Heating Pads

An electric heating pad is usually regarded as a relatively “safe” household product commonly used to treat sore muscles or joints; however, it can cause harm if not used properly. A heating pad can be dangerous for patients with decreased temperature sensation, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, patients who have suffered a stroke, patients taking medication for pain or sleeplessness or those who have been drinking alcohol. Prolonged use on one area of the body can cause a severe burn, even when the heating pad is at a low temperature setting.

before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper, or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Do not wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

·        Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away from open flames and heat sources.

·        Ensure a working Smoke & CO detector is in the home.

·        Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned out frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper, or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Do not wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

·        Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away from open flames and heat sources.

·        Ensure a working Smoke & CO detector is in the home.

·        Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Fire Safety, please give us a call at (212) 505-3640.  SelectCare Home Care Services in NYC is happy to assist you in making your home safe