INDIANAPOLIS — Holiday season is here and while that means lots of celebrations and get-togethers, it also means lots of hazards that come with the cooling weather.
As our days get shorter with less sunlight and warmth, it's important to make sure your home is safe against the increased fire hazards.
These incidents tend to rise as people spend more time indoors and use alternative heating sources.
Here is a list of reminders from the Bargersville Fire Department to keep you safe this season:
- Inspect heating systems
- Dirty of faulty heating equipment is the leading cause of fires during colder months.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work properly on every level of your home.
- Fireplace and chimney maintenance
- Make sure your fireplace is clean and free of debris. Use a screen to prevent sparks from going to the room.
- Be cautious with holiday decorations
- Don't overload electrical outlets and always turn off holiday lights when leaving or going to bed.
- Use candles safely
- Always blow out candles before leaving the room and keep them away from flammable items.
- Establish a family escape plan
- In the event of a fire, it is critical for families to have an escape plan.
- Keep flammable materials away from heat sources
- Keep anything that can catch fire such as clothing blankets and/or paper away from space heaters and fireplaces.
To keep up with tips and the latest from BFD, click here.
