Enfield Fire District No. 1 is reminding residents to check household alarms and use heating equipment safely as temperatures drop. In a notice published Wednesday, Nov. 4, the district cited the National Fire Protection Association's finding that home heating fires peak during winter.
The district recommends testing carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors once a month by pressing and holding the test button until the alert sounds. Residents who use fireplaces or wood stoves should have a professional inspect and clean their chimneys and vents annually to help prevent fires and maintain healthy indoor air quality.
Anything that can burn should stay at least three feet from fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters, according to the district. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, rather than extension cords or power strips. Place them on a hard, level surface and turn them off before going to bed or leaving the room.
Source: "Enfield Fire District No. 1 Provides Winter Fire Safety Tips" (enfieldfire.org)
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