This is the time of year when the weather is colder and we start using the heater and fireplace more regularly. For your safety, it's important to be aware of the increased fire risks as we head into colder weather and winter months.
In an effort to help increase awareness and educate the public of the increased fire and life safety risks during the winter months, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is joining with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to team up for this year’s “Put a Winter Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign, now through February.
CMFR asks the community to remember the following tips for fire safety:
• Inspect all CO (carbon monoxide) and smoke alarms; make sure they are in active working order, tested monthly and placed in key locations throughout your home.
• Plug only one heat producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
• Anything that can burn should be placed at least three feet from a heat source (i.e. space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces.)
• Make sure space heaters are plugged directly into an outlet, never into an extension cord and make sure to unplug them when you leave the room.
• When using a fireplace or wood stove, make sure to put the fire out when leaving your home or going to bed.
For more about carbon monoxide safety download this brochure.
For more information, please visit www.usfa.fema.gov or contact Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue’s Community Risk Reduction Team directly at (714) 327-7406