Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers urges residents to practice safety during the frigid weather. Looking in on senior relatives and neighbors is a must when temperatures dip as it is when they rise.
When keeping warm, Ayers advises:
• Never use gas or electric ranges and ovens to heat a home;
• Keep combustible materials, such as newspapers and clothes, at least 3 feet from portable heaters;
• Never place portable heaters at the bottom of a stairway. This will block the escape route in the event of a fire;
• Check portable electric heaters’ cords for cracks, breaks or loose connections. Never overload electrical sockets.
When using kerosene heaters:
• Use only approved K-1 kerosene, never gasoline;
• Never fill or refill kerosene heaters indoors;
• Never attempt to fill a heater while it is hot;
• Avoid overfilling;
• Never store kerosene or other flammable liquids indoors;
• Be sure to have adequate ventilation.
