Fire Department Tips for a Safe Winter

The Woodstock Fire Department would like to offer the following tips on having a safe winter:

• With Christmas just ending, many people still have their trees up, but don't forget about them. Make sure to continue watering the tree until you dispose of it. Do not let it dry out.
• Check your fireplace. It should be properly and professionally maintained. You should have it cleaned and inspected annually.
• When disposing of ashes, do not use paper or plastic bags. A metal container is the best way to dispose of ashes. Wet ashes before you dispose of them. You should not store them near your home.
• With the temperatures dropping, freeze protect your pipes. You should leave the faucets dripping, open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach the pipes and insulate them.
• Also, keep the heat on in your house.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly. If they are battery-operated, change the batteries yearly. There should be at least one detector on each level of your home, including the basement.
• Install a smoke detector in every room where candles are burned. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there has been an increase in candle-caused fires. Most of these fires started when burning candles were left unattended or placed near flammable objects and materials such as window treatments.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen; cooking is the largest single cause of home fires.
• Have an emergency exit drill in place. Review and practice it with your family. Establish a meeting place outside the house so you can account for everyone in case of emergency.