IFD Reminds Residents Of Holiday And Cold Weather Safety

INDIANAPOLIS – If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, your wish may come true thanks to forecasts from The Weather Channel and Dark Sky. As winter arrives, Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, bringing cold weather with them. The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) says they want your holidays and winter to be a safe one, reporting that home cooking fires reported on Christmas Day are number three on the list for fires reported across the US, with number one being Thanksgiving day and number two being the day before Thanksgiving.

IFD says according to statistics as reported by the United States Fire Administration (USFA), fire damage to homes, caused by cooking, Christmas trees, candles, holiday decorations and chimneys are higher this time of the year than any other.

During this period of increased activity and people in the home, the IFD encourages everyone to use common sense and safe practices while gathering, cooking in the kitchen and celebrating the holidays with family and friends, by taking 15 minutes to read the following 15 IFD safety tips and reminders:

• As you prepare for your family to gather in your home, make sure you have a working smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detector and an evacuation plan in case of emergency. You can check your alarm by pushing the test button. Make sure that all visitors to your home know two ways out and where the outside meeting place is. If faced with an emergency…evacuate and call 911. If you need a smoke alarm please call 327-6093 and someone from the IFD Fire and Life Safety Division will assist you.
• With temperatures still comfortable enough today to enjoy the outdoors – take time to check the outside areas of your home for excess brush, unsecured windows, unsecured doors and trash that can easily be discarded.
• It is very important to inspect all your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections may pose a fire or shock hazard. Replace worn out cords with new ones – don’t try to repair them with tape. Turn off all stringed lights before leaving your home or going to bed. Pay attention to electrical cords attached to countertop appliances. Be sure cords are not hanging loose within reach of a young child.
• Make sure you keep your live trees from drying out by watering them regularly. statistics show that 37% of Christmas Tree fires occur in January when less attention is paid to the tree in advance of it being thrown away.
• Never leave stove top food unattended. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of holiday fires and all preparation should be carefully monitored throughout the process. Keep combustibles such as dish towels, curtains and aprons away from heating elements and if using grease on the stove, heat it slowly. Always keep a lid for extinguishment nearby. Keep your kitchen a safe place for family to gather and make sure that children and pets are not allowed near a hot stove or oven.
• Advice on the proper preparation of food is plentiful on the internet and at the local library. Ensure your family and guests do not become victims of a foodborne illness due to improper cooking methods. No matter what feast you are preparing, take time to know the correct way to defrost, cook and store your food.
• Keep children away from hot foods and liquids. An accidentally splashed liquid such as gravy, coffee or grease can cause serious burns. Steam from a lidded pot can cause burns to the face or hands if unprepared for its release. Keep children engaged with an activity outside the food preparation area. Nothing ruins a holiday faster than an injury to a child.
• Keep sharp knives and other utensils out of the reach of children and as always keep matches/lighters up high and out of a child’s line of sight and curious hands. Keep the floor clear of purses, toys and boxes and bags. The trip or fall of an elderly family member can cause serious injury and in the event of an emergency a clear exit path is a must.
• Please ask smokers to smoke outside and provide them with a large deep container to place their discarded smoking material in. Keep the container a safe perimeter from the home and any brush. Always wet cigarette butts before discarding them.
• Do not use your oven or other unsafe methods to heat your home. Kitchen appliances and candles are not intended to be used as home heating devices and can be deadly. Utility companies are willing to work with residents to maintain a safe living environment - please call your utility company today and let them help create a payment plan that allows you and your family to enjoy a safe and warm winter. Residents are also urged to check on neighbors and family making sure they have appropriate methods to stay warm, safe and hydrated.
• Space heaters - if using a space heater remember to keep a clear 3-foot perimeter around the space heater on all sides. Remove combustibles including clothing, bedding, furniture, & curtains away from all heat sources. Only use an UL approved space heater with automatic shut off and non-frayed cord. Plug the space heater directly into the wall outlet - do not use a power strip or extension cord. Never leave the space heater unattended when in use - heat the room, shut the door and unplug the space heater before going to sleep. Keep pets and children away from all heat sources but especially the space heater as it can cause serious injury.
• With precipitation and colder temps expected tomorrow, drive with caution and pay attention to road conditions. Make sure all occupants are wearing seat belts while the car is in motion. Keep children bundled up while driving and all exposed skin covered even inside the car.
• A reminder to keep any accumulating snow cleared off and around hydrants so arriving firefighters can see them clearly and access them quickly. Brush, trash and cars should never be placed in front of a hydrant.
• If using a wood burning fireplace - make sure that all embers are extinguished prior to going to bed. Check to see that the flue is open before lighting the fire and make sure you have a protective screen in place to keep embers in and children away from flame. Never burn gift boxes, wrapping paper or pine needles in your fireplace.
• Be vigilant about your neighborhood and report unusual or suspicious activity in and around vacant or abandoned structures. Unauthorized access by individuals seeking warmth is trespassing and residents should call 911 or the IMPD non-emergent line at 327-3811 and let your district officer know.

IFD says their hope is to help reduce your changes or injury and damage to ensure your family and guests remember this time of year as one of peace and cheer.

Christmas 2017 Indianapolis Area Grocery Store Hours

IFD Chief Ernest Malone would like to extend his warmest Holiday wishes on behalf of the entire fire department.

“We are fortunate to live and work in a city where family and community are equally important," Chief Malone said in a release. "The citizen’s we serve are our extended family and we want to keep them as safe as possible, each and every day. I encourage everyone to take 15 minutes and review their Holiday/Winter checklist. Proactive steps taken now, will help to ensure your family's safety during this time of celebration. Have a blessed Holiday.”

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