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Winter Safety Tips from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue

Signs of changing seasons have crept in. bringing us wind and precipitation that we can expect to continue over the next few months. As we make this seasonal transition, here are a few tips from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue to keep you warm and safe.

For those with woodstoves and fireplaces, remember:

• Burn only dry, seasoned wood (not garbage, treated lumber, Christmas trees, gift-wrapping, etc.).
• Before lighting a fire, check the flue for obstructions and open the damper wide.
• Keep clothing, newspapers, and furniture away from fireplace or woodstove.
• Ashes can retain heat and stay hot for up to five days. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with tight-fitting lid—and store that outside, away from any structures. Never use paper, cardboard, or plastic containers/waste baskets for storing ashes.
• Have a safety screen or glass door in place to help prevent embers from starting a fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.

This fire was caused by an improperly used baseboard heater.

Before you turn on those baseboard and wall heaters, take some safety precautions including:

• Keep curtains, mattresses, furniture, clothing, toys, and all other combustibles a minimum of three feet from all baseboard, wall, and portable heaters.
• Remember, especially in cold weather – heaters may turn on, even while in the off position!
• Never use kerosene, propane or other outdoor-use heaters indoors – they may start a fire and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use extension cords with portable heaters.
• Turn off, or unplug all portable heaters when leaving the room and never leave them unattended.

Remember that one of the best ways to stay safe is to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. TVF&R wishes you a safe winter season. If you would like any additional tips or information about these or other safety tips, please visit us at www.tvfr.com.

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