Winnipeg, MB - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service reminds citizens that even though temperatures have dropped, the winter season can still present fire hazards.
Follow these tips to keep your home and family safe:
Block Heater Safety
- Remember to unplug your car before driving. If you drive over your extension cord, you could cause cracking and damage to the cord which increases the likelihood of an extension cord fire.
- Unplug your block heater by using the hard, rubber end. Pulling on the electrical cord can cause breakage and potential electrical issues.
- Cover your block heater plug-in with its protective cover to help prevent corrosion and dirt buildup.
- Have your block heater cord inspected each fall by a qualified mechanic.
- If you park in an attached or heated garage, avoid plugging in your vehicle as this can cause overheating of extension cords.
Garage and Portable Heater Safety
- Make sure all garage heating appliances are in good working condition. Look for breaks in connectors, plugs or power cords. A heating appliance that repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker could indicate a defect that may cause a fire or electric shock. Unplug any appliance that has given you an electric shock and do not use it until it has been checked and repaired by a qualified technician.
- Make sure all electric heaters have the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency, such as CSA or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada.
- Never use an extension cord to plug in a major heating appliance or in place of permanent wiring.
- Store all household chemicals in a closed, metal cabinet and well away from any heat source.
- Flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene should never be stored in your home.
- Store garbage outside of the garage and well away from any heat source.
- Give portable heaters space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away.
Carbon Monoxide
- If you use a gas heater in your garage, make sure external vents such as fresh air intake vents, exhaust vents and chimneys are clear of snow, insulation, leaves, bird nests, lint or debris.
- Never idle your vehicle or operate other gasoline-powered equipment (mower, chainsaw, snow blower, trimmer or generator) in an attached garage even if the garage door is open.
- Never operate a barbecue, camp stove or propane lantern in your home or garage.
Winter Safety for Smokers
- The best way to prevent home fires caused by smoking is by not smoking.
- If you do smoke, the safest place to do so is outside the home or garage.
- Use a sturdy ashtray or a can filled with sand to collect ashes.
- Do not put cigarettes out in empty planters or pots. Materials such as peat moss can cause a cigarette to smolder for hours unnoticed.
- Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away.
- Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash.
It is also recommended that all homes have carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors installed near all sleeping areas, and that these units are tested once per month.
It is also important for all family members to know when and how to call for help in the event of an emergency, and to make and practice a home escape plan.
For more information, visit Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.