Winter Safety
As the temperatures dip into the teens, it's important to remember to take special precautions to protect yourself from the cold weather. Roanoke Fire-EMS and the Centers for Disease Control want to remind you how to keep you and your family safe during the winter months:
• Dress warmly. Adults and children should wear a hat (nearly half of all body heat is lost through the head), scarf, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens/gloves, water resistant coat and boots, plus several layers of loose fitting clothing.
• Limit your time outdoors.
• Stay dry. Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
• Avoid exertion. Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart.
• Understand wind chill. The wind chill index is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed.
• Avoid walking on ice.
• Be safe during recreation, ie: skiing, snowboarding, sledding. Wear proper protective equipment (such as a helmet). Avoid perspiring or becoming overtired.
• Do not step on to thin ice, you can easily fall through! Watch children near frozen bodies of water.
• Take care when traveling. Listen to travel advisories and keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent your gas line from freezing. Make sure to have food and water along with blankets in your car for emergencies.

Cold Weather Health Emergencies
Hypothermia
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. Waring signs of hypothermia are:

Adults:
• Shivering, exhaustion
• Confusion, fumbling hands
• Memory loss, slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Children/Babies:
• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy

What to Do
If you notice any of these signs, take the person's temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, the situation is an emergency - get medical attention immediately!

Frostbite
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. Signs of frostbite are:
• A white or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness
A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

What to Do
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia, as described above. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.

If there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows:
• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes - this increases the damage.
• Immerse the affected area in warm, not hot, water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• Warm the affected area using body heat if you don't use water. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
• Don't use a heating pad, heat lamp or the heat of a stove, fireplace or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

Safety Around the Yard
Lawn Mowers
Many of us don't think about lawn mowers as occupational hazards. We start using them at a very young age, and we certainly don't need a license to mow the lawn. Here are a few simple precautions to ensure your safety - please read them carefully:
• Inspect the lawn mower - this should be done prior to starting!
o Make sure that the blade is sharp and secure. Thin or worn blades should be replaced right away.
o Ensure that the shields and other guards, such as rear drag shields and discharge deflectors, are in place and working properly.
o Wear protective equipment. Wear non-slip footwear and hearing protection.
• Be prepared for obstacles.
o Keep people away from the work area - mowers can throw objects in any direction.
o Clear the work area of rocks, bottles and debris that might be thrown by the blades.
o Watch for hidden hazards, such as holes, roots, drain pipes and insect nests.
o Proceed slowly into tall, heavy grass to avoid choking the mower or stalling the motor.
o Use caution around low hanging branches and shrubs.
o Set mower at the highest cutting level when operating on rough ground.
o Do not leave blades rotating when crossing graveled areas.
• Don't touch!
o Keep hands away from the blades at all times.
o Expose the underside of a mower for maintenance only after shutting off.
• Never reach under the machine
o Disconnect the spark plug or unplug an electric mower before sharpening, replacing or cleaning.
o Mow away from the cord when using an electric lawn mower.
o Do not touch hot motor parts.
o Do not spray cold water on a hot engine.
o Do not make wheel height adjustments while the motor is running.
o Do not refuel the mower while the engine is running.
o Mow across slopes so that your feet are less likely to slide under the mower, and the mower cannot roll back - always mow standing up, not bent over.
o Do not mow surfaces that are slippery.
• Finally - know the controls and how to stop the mower quickly and never leave a running mower unattended

Gasoline Storage
You should only store enough gasoline to power your gasoline-fueled equipment. This gasoline should be stored outdoors, in a shed for example - gasoline should never be stored in your home or attached garage. Gasoline should be stored in an approved and clearly labeled container and should be well away from any sources of heat or flame.

Gasoline should only be used as motor fuel and never as:

• A stain remover
• Grease cleaner
• Automotive parts cleaner, etc.
To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from a filling station, place the sealed, approved container in the trunk and leave the trunk lid open slightly. Never store gasoline in a car - drive directly to and from the filling station. Never smoke when using gasoline or refilling gas powered equipment, and always turn equipment off before adding fuel.

Pool Chemicals
Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials, such as body fluids, rain, hydrocarbon liquids such as fuel oil or motor oil. This type of fire will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous, and require resident evacuation.
• Store and use pool chemicals according to manufacturer's recommendations.
• Containers should be kept in a dry place.
• Never store pool chemicals in the home, near sources of heat or flame, and never in direct sunlight.
It's possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned! By following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep summer activities fun and fire-safe.

Summer Safety
Grilling:
• Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn -- your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the grill when lit, and keep children and pets well away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits over your forearm. If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. If you receive a serious burn, seek medical attention promptly.

• Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If lightning appears while you're grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.

• Use only a limited amount of starter fluid (never gasoline) before lighting a charcoal grill. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. After use, soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool.

For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside, away from structures, and turn off the valves when not in use.

Camping
• Pitch your flame-retardant tent well away from your campfire.
• Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or other close space.
• Build your campfire away from your tent, clearing away all vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks.
• Look for signs of potential fire hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations.
• Pour water over or cover the fire with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.

Heat Stroke & Other Heat-Related Illness
When the temperature rises, the risk of a heat-related injury rises as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Red Cross, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer's heat and humidity. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips:
• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink plenty of water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Take it easy. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 7 a.m.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Remember - never leave a child inside of a car - temperatures can heat up to over 120 degrees within minutes.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).

General Care for Heat Emergencies
Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion
If someone you know is suffering from heat cramps or heat exhaustion get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Firework Safety
Nothing says 4th of July like fireworks! But you must make sure to exercise extreme caution around fireworks to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Sparklers are also a popular way to help celebrate, but they can be very dangerous. Over 50% of sparkler related injuries happen to kids under the age of 14!

Roanoke Fire-EMS, The National Council on Fireworks Safety and The Consumer Product Safety Commission want to share some safety tips to help you and your family enjoy a happy and safe 4th of July:
• Always buy from reliable sellers. Never buy illegal fireworks such as M-80s,M-100s, quarterpounders and blockbusters. These are federally banned explosives. Illegal fireworks are classified as any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket or other substance or object, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended, or commonly known, as fireworks that explode, rise into the air or travel laterally, or fires projectiles into the air.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Always have an adult present.
• Use all fireworks and sparklers outdoors only. Keep them away from clothing and flammable objects.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Light only 1 firework or sparkler at a time.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Never give fireworks or sparklers to small children. Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers. They can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit!
• Dispose of fireworks and sparklers properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
• Never throw or point fireworks or sparklers at other people. Be sure that everyone is out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework. Fireworks can cause serious burns or eye injuries.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Be responsible.
• When watching a public fireworks display, always obey all ushers or monitors and respect the safety barriers set up to allow the trained operator room to safely to their job.
• If you find a firework that falls to the ground without exploding, do not touch it - contact the local fire or police department.
• Leave the pets at home if visiting a fireworks show - they have very sensitive ears and the booms and bangs associated with fireworks 

Halloween Safety
Planning ahead can help make Halloween a fire-safe holiday! Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires.
Safety Tips
• Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
• Use extreme caution when decorating with candles, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from all combustible items. Pumpkins can also be illuminated with small, inexpensive flashlights.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. Flashlights are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
• Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire (stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames).
• Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
• Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.

Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are credited with saving lives each and every year.  But did you know that many homes still do not have working smoke alarms? Here are some safety tips:

• Install at least 1 smoke alarm on every floor of your home (including the basement & attic) and outside each sleeping area.
• If you sleep with the door closed, install smoke alarms inside of the room.  In new homes, smoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms according to the National Fire Alarm Code.  
• Ensure that all members of your family can hear the smoke alarm – especially the children.  
• If someone is hearing impaired, install smoke alarms that flash a strobe light as well as sound the alarm or shake the bed. 
While smoke alarms alert people to fires, families still need to develop and practice home fire escape plans so that they can get out quickly.
• Because smoke rises, alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings. Wall-mounted alarms should be positioned 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling-mounted alarms should be positioned 4 inches away from the nearest wall. On vaulted ceilings, be sure to mount the alarm at the highest point of the ceiling.
• Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.
• Be sure that the smoke alarm you buy carries the label of an independent testing lab.
• Alarms that are hard-wired to the home's electrical system should be installed by a qualified electrician.
Maintaining Your Smoke Alarm
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month, by using the alarm's "test button," and clean the units in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Clean smoke alarms using a vacuum cleaner without removing the alarm's cover.
• Install new batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year, for example, on the day you change your clocks or when the alarm chirps (warning that the battery is dying).
• Replace all smoke alarm batteries immediately upon moving into a new home.
• Keep batteries in smoke alarms; do not borrow them for other purposes. Nuisance activation can be addressed by moving an alarm farther away from kitchen smoke or bathroom steam and by more frequent cleaning. If the problem persists, replace the alarm.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Home Fire Escape Planning
Everyone can be taught the basics of home fire escape. Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan is the key to survival should a fire occur in your home. In the event of a fire, time is the biggest enemy and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. Escape plans can help you get out of your home quickly. That is why every home needs to practice E.D.I.T.H. (exit drills in the home).  Remember:
• Plan and practice your plan.
• If your home catches on fire: stay low, get out and stay out!
• If your clothes catch fire: stop, drop, and roll until the flames are put out.

Practice Your Plan
• Plan your escape and practice it at least twice a year.
• Draw a floor plan of your home.
• Show 2 ways out of every room - if fire or smoke blocks the primary exit, you will need another way out (i.e., a window). You can also buy an approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
• Practice escaping from every room in the home.
• Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped.
• Designate 1 person to go to a neighbor's house to call 911.
• Make sure that windows are not stuck and that screens can be taken out quickly.
• Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.

Things to Remember & Include in Your Escape Plan
A proper escape plan includes: 
• Working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas
• 2 ways out of each room
• Unobstructed and easy-to-use exits
• A meeting place outside
• A posted emergency phone number for the fire department
• Practicing the plan at least twice a year with every member of the household
• If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, someone in the household should plan to assist them.
• Make sure that doors needed for escape can be opened easily and that windows are not nailed or painted shut.
• To make sure the fire is not on the other side of the door, use the back of your hand to feel a closed door, the doorknob and the crack between the door and door frame. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure that it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.
• As you leave the home, shut the doors behind you.
• React immediately to the sound of a smoke alarm and make getting out your top priority. Do not waste any time trying to save property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. Close doors as you escape to slow the spread of the fire.
• Escape FIRST, then call 911.  Never go back inside the home for any reason.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.  If someone is missing from your meeting place, tell a firefighter.  They are equipped and trained to perform rescues safely.
 
Cooking Safety
Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. The majority of cooking equipment fires start with the ignition of common household items (i.e., wall coverings, paper or plastic bags, curtains, etc.). 

Safety Tips
• When cooking food on a stove top, never leave it unattended. Also, keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven.
• Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (i.e., potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).
• Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a 3-foot (1-meter) "kid-free zone" around the stove.
• Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped and children can't grab them.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
• Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.
• Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.
• If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing.
• If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again. Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from micro waved food carefully to prevent steam burns.

Smoking Safety
Did you know that smoking is the number one cause of fatal fire? Here are some tips to keep you safe:
• If you smoke, use fire safe cigarettes.
• Use fire safe cigarettes. If you do smoke, smoke outside – never in bed or in a chair.
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and keep them from anything that can burn.
• Make sure to always wet your ashes before disposing of them. 
• Keep cigarettes, matches & lighters out of the reach of children.
• Never smoke while on oxygen. 

Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are possible sources of CO. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage also can produce dangerous levels of CO.

You can protect yourself again CO poisoning by properly installing, using, venting, and maintaining your heating and cooking equipment; by installing CO alarms inside your home; and by being cautious with vehicles or generators in attached garages.

How to protect yourself:
• Have at least 1 audible carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home to provide early warning of accumulating CO. However, a CO alarm is no substitute for safe practices.
• The best defenses against CO poisoning are safe use of vehicles (particularly in attached garages) and proper installation, use, venting and maintenance of household cooking and heating equipment.
• Choose an alarm that has Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. listed. Look for the UL logo on the package.
• Have a qualified appliance technician check all fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney system at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer.

How Carbon Monoxide Alarms Work
Carbon monoxide alarms sound based on the exposure to CO over time. They are designed to sound an alarm before the average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. Remember, it is the exposure to carbon monoxide over time that poses a threat.

Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Smoke alarms give earlier warning of a fire, providing more time to escape. Know the difference between the sound of the smoke alarm and the sound of the CO alarm!

What Do I Do If The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off?
• Do not panic!
• Have everyone move to an area with fresh (outside) air. Do not open windows until firefighters arrive to get an accurate reading of CO levels in the home. 
• Call 911.
• Do not re-enter your home until the emergency responder has arrived, your home is aired out, and your carbon monoxide alarm returns to normal operation.
• Call a qualified technician to inspect all equipment.


Fire Extinguishers
A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out safely. Here are some tips:
• Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing. Make sure everyone has exited the building, 911 has been called or is being called, and the room is not filled with smoke.
• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS.
o Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
o Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
o Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
o Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
• For your home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out.
• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

Fire & Fall Prevention For Older Adults
Ah, the senior years. These are supposed to be the days of relaxing, enjoying your grandchildren and just plain enjoying life, but according to the Virginia Department of Health and National Fire Protection Association, each year many older adults die or experience permanent disabilities after a home fire or fall.

Adults age 65 are twice as likely to be killed or injured by falls or fires, compared to the population at large. By the age of 75, that risk increases to 3 times that of the general population, 4 times at age 85. In 2002, 2,300 senior citizens were injured or killed in residential fires. This is a staggering statistic. So, take a moment and read the below tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Prevent Fires
• Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home. Make sure to also have a smoke alarm near the bedroom.
• Check your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
• Keep yourself and anything that can burn at least 3 feet from space heaters, portable heaters and wood stoves. Turn off and unplug heaters when you leave your home or go to bed.
• If you smoke, use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts and ashes before emptying them into the trash.
• Never smoke when drowsy, lying down or in bed.
• When cooking, wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves. Use oven mitts to handle hot pans and never leave cooking unattended.
• "Stop, drop and roll" if your clothes catch on fire.
• If you have a grease fire on the stove, cover it with a lid. Never put water on the fire.
• Immerse burns in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If burn is severe, get medical attention. Never put butter or grease on a burn.
• Know 2 ways out of each room. Plan and practice your fire escape. In a fire, get out and stay out!
• If there is a fire, never call 911 from your home. Call from a neighbors house after you have escaped.
Prevent Falls
• Exercise regularly to build strength and improve balance and coordination.
• Keep stairs and walkways clear of tripping hazards.
• See an eye specialist once a year.
• Improve the lighting in your home. Turn on the lights before using the stairs and install a night-light along the path between the bedroom and bathroom.
• Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower.
• Use only throw rugs with rubber, non-skid backing.
• Install handrails along both sides of the stairs.
• Wear sturdy, well-fitted, low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles.
• Have a pharmacist review all of your medication.
 
Heating Safety
The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many people to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs.

All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire safe home this winter.

Kerosene Heaters
• Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case it is tipped over.
• Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal or kerosene or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.
• Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.Never introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel.
• Keep kerosene or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.
• Never fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. Do not use cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms up.
• Refueling should be done outside of the home (outdoors).
• Keep young children away from space heaters - especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited.
• When using a fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
Wood Stoves & Fireplaces
• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces, and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL Listed.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping our, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent the possibility of burns.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. Never break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than 1 log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
Furnace Heating
• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be needed.
• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported, free of holes, and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
• Is the chimney solid, with cracks or loose bricks? All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Other Fire Safety Tips
• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
• Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potential toxic fumes.
• If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry the amp load. Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.
• Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
• Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame, (otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space). Use hot water or a UL labeled device such as a hand-held dryer for thawing.
• If windows are used as emergency exists in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all the windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist Roanoke Fire-EMS by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.


Candle Safety
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g., clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, and flammable decorations).
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.
• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to 1-quarter inch and extinguish candles when they get to within 2 inches of the holder or decorative material.
• Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.

Candles & Children
• Keep candles up high, out of reach of children.
• Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.
• Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

During Power Outages
• Try to avoid carrying a lit candle. Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
• Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.
• Instead of candles, instead use a flashlight or battery powered candle or lantern. 

 Chimney Safety
The cold fall and winter months makes you want to snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove. The last thing you are likely to think about is the condition of your chimney; however, if you don't give some thought to it before you light those winter fires your enjoyment may be very short-lived. Why? The answer is simple – dirty chimneys. Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people.

The average American will have 1 negative experience with fire in their lifetime - usually in their own home. More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as heat sources in their homes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently. Heating fires are often due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes.

Chimney fires can burn explosively - noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or passersby. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. Slow-burning chimney fires, however, do not have enough fuel to be as visible. The temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure, and nearby combustible parts of the house, as their more spectacular cousins. With proper chimney system care, chimney fires are entirely preventable.

Inspections & Maintenance 
The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department recognizes the importance of annual heating system inspections and maintenance in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. The National Fire Protection Association encourages the regular maintenance of home heating systems and their chimneys in order to keep "the silent killer" at bay. Carbon monoxide detectors are readily available and no home should be without at least 2, 1 near the furnace and 1 near the sleeping area of the home. Detectors are not a substitute for routine maintenance, but can be a lifesaver should problems occur. Always remember to have working smoke detectors in your home – they are proven to be lifesavers!

Burn Prevention Tips
In the United States, approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported per year! According to the Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, of those injuries, between 8,000 and 12,000 of the burn patients die and approximately 1 million will sustain substantial or permanent disabilities resulting from their burn injury.

It's also noted that burn injuries are 2nd to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Further data shows that scalds are the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children from birth to age 4 and are 40% of the burn injuries for children up to age 14. Roanoke Fire-EMS, Safe Kids Coalition and the Burn Survivor Resource Center want to keep you and your family safe by sharing the below safety tips on burn prevention:

• Never leave children alone around open flames, stoves or candles.
• Keep matches, gasoline, lighters and other flammable materials out of children's reach.
• Teach children a plan for escaping your home in a fire and practice it!
• Install smoke alarms in your home on every level and in every sleeping area, testing them once a month and replacing the batteries at least twice a year.
• Before bathing children in heated water, always run your open hand through the water to check its temperature or use a tub thermometer.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges. Never carry children and hot foods or liquids at the same time.
• Make sure that pot handles are turned towards the stove when cooking so that a child cannot accidentally grab the handle and spill the contents.
• Keep things that easily catch fire (such as papers) away from heat sources like stoves, heaters and fireplaces.
• Never smoke or use smoking materials near oxygen.
• Take care when cooking and make sure your clothes cannot catch fire.
Microwave Safety
Hospital emergency departments and burn centers are also reporting that they are treating many children burned from quick-cooking, microwave-heated noodle and pasta products such as instant noodles, macaroni-and-cheese and other similar ‘quick and easy heat and eat' food products. These burns occur because microwave ovens heat foods to very high temperatures and the foods and liquids are heated unevenly. To make sure you and your family are safe when using the microwave, remember the following rules:

• Stir microwave heated food after heating to mix the hot and cool areas.
• Test the temperature and make sure the heated noodles, pasta dishes or ‘pocket' food has cooled to a safe temperature before serving to children.
• While cooling hot foods, make sure they are out of the reach of children.
• Make sure your child is old enough and tall enough to safely prepare foods in a microwave.
• Supervise children while they are preparing foods in a microwave oven.
• Microwave Ovens mounted above the counter can be a major burn hazard: hot liquids are frequently spilled on hands, chest or torso while removing them from their microwave ovens.
Providing First Aid
If you or a member of your family does burn yourself, here are some first aid tips for treatment:

• Remove the hot, wet clothing - don't forget to check and remove an infant's diaper if it has absorbed hot liquids.
• Cool the burned area immediately with room-temperature tap water.
• Do not use ice or very cold water. Ice or very cold water will further damage the burned area; when it is the temperature of the unburned skin, you have cooled enough.
• Gently dry the area and cover the burn with a clean, dray bandage or towel.
• Do not use butter, first aid ointment or burn cream. These items tend to cause more pain.
• Keep the burned victim warm while you transport them to the hospital or wait for emergency services to arrive. Cover with a blanket. Burned skin loses body heat even in warmer months.

Night Club Safety Tips
Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work or school, and take part in social events, but every so often the unexpected happens: an earthquake, a fire, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism or some other disaster. Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of how fragile their lives and routines can be. Each disaster can have lasting effects - people may be seriously injured or killed, and devastating and costly property damage can occur.

The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, was a disaster of historical proportion. At least 97 people were killed and 187 were injured during a rock concert on February 20, 2003. Many of these deaths and injuries were caused because the people inside didn't have an escape plan. Roanoke Fire-EMS and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs want to remind you that if your New Years Eve plans include going out on the town, make sure you are prepared in case of an emergency.
Be Prepared
• Should you enter? Take a good look. Does the building appear to be in a condition that makes you feel comfortable? Is the main entrance wide and does it open outward to allow easy exit? Is the outside area clear of materials stored against the building or blocking exits?
• Before you enter have a communication plan. Identify a relative or friend beforehand to contact in case of emergency and you are separated from family or friends.
• Plan a meeting place. Pick a meeting place outside to meet family or friends with whom you are attending the function. If there is an emergency, be sure to meet them there.
• When you enter locate exits immediately. Are the exits clearly marked and well lit? Some exits may be in front and some in back of you. Always be prepared to use the exit closest to you. (You may not be able to use the main exit.)
• Check for clear exit paths. Make sure aisles are wide enough and not obstructed by chairs or furniture. Check to make sure your exit door is not blocked or chained. If there are not at least 2 clearly marked exits or exit paths are blocked, report the violation to management and leave the building if it is not immediately addressed. Call the local fire marshal to register a complaint.
• Do you feel safe? Does the building appear to be overcrowded? Are there fire sources such as candles burning, cigarettes or cigars burning, pyrotechnics, or other heat sources that may make you feel unsafe? Are there safety systems in place such as alternative exits, sprinklers, and smoke alarms? Ask the management for clarification on your concerns. If you do not feel safe in the building, leave immediately.
• During an emergency, react immediately. If an alarm sounds, you see smoke or fire, or other unusual disturbances immediately exit the building in an orderly fashion. Use your closest exit - keep in mind that it may not be the main exit.
• Get out, and stay out! Once you have escaped, stay out. Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. Let trained firefighters conduct rescue operations.