December 2013- Monthly Memo- Winter Storm Safety

Here are some tips to help you prepare for winter storms Before the Winter Storm - Before the winter storm strikes, it’s important to know the weather terminology that may appear across the bottom of your television screen or on the local radio station. Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter weather may affect the surrounding area within the next 36 to 48 hours. Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather conditions are on the way or will begin within 24 hours. Take cover and be prepared. Blizzard Warning: Blinding snow and dangerous wind chills are expected for several hours. Sustained winds of 35 mph are expected to sweep the area. A traveler’s advisory is issued if driving conditions are expected to be dangerous or slow moving. Winterize your car long before the first snowfall hits. Winter weather is unpredictable and may surprise you early in the season. Prepare a … Read more...

November 2013 Monthly Memo: Winter/Home Heating Safety

November 2013 Monthly Memo: Winter/Home Heating Safety

Is the chill of winter creeping in and around your house? The best defense is making sure your home’s heating system is maintained properly Follow these tips for extra efficiency and warmth Have a professional inspect your heating system once per year, before winter hits. Replace air filters often, per the manufacturer’s recommendation (the professional who inspects your heating system can tell you what’s best). Seal up air leaks and add insulation around the house. Clean registers and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpets or drapes. Bleed trapped air from hot water radiators. Other safety suggestions Never use a kerosene heater indoors. Never use electric or gas stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. If using a wood fireplace, have it inspected annually by a … Read more...

October 2013 Monthly Memo: Fire Prevention Week/Fire Safety

October 2013 Monthly Memo: Fire Prevention Week/Fire Safety

How Fire Safety savvy are you Fires cause an estimated 3,500 deaths and nearly $4 billion in property damage in the United States annually — much more than hurricanes, tornadoes or floods. Yet many people ignore common fire hazards in the home and don’t prepare themselves or family members for this more common catastrophe. Set aside some time and effort to protect your home from a devastating blaze with these safety tips. In this fun, animated video, Rover the Home Safety Hound and Freddie Flashlight teach children to stay away from things at home that might cause fire and burns.   This segment from NBC’s TODAY Show may surprise some parents, as it shows how kids can sleep right through the sound of a smoke alarm. This video done by the NIST shows a VERY DRY Christmas tree on fire in a room. It takes a little over 30 seconds for the room to flashover. Keep your tree … Read more...