Our local chapter of the SafeKids Coalition sent these tips yesterday, and I want to post them for our readers who are parents, family members and caregivers of young children. Thanks to Wanda Willis of the Harrisonburg Fire Department for forwarding these to me. And I am hoping everyone who follows our blog has a happy, healthy and safe Valentine’s Day!
Marianne Halterman
Winter Cold Weather Safety Tips
February 14, 2015
Here are a few tips to keep your families safe during the bitter cold this weekend:
- During a power outage avoid using candles for emergency lighting. Use flashlights and battery-powered lamps when possible.
- If you must use a kerosene heater be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case of tip overs.
- Keep young children away from any space heaters.
- Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in a woodstove or fireplace.
- Keep a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace opening at all times.
- Have a CO Alarm when there are any appliances in your home that produce a flame.
- Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device.
- Every level of your home must have a working smoke alarm.
- Practice a fire drill with your children and all members of your household.
- Keep a car disaster kit in your car in case you are stranded or caught in traffic for an extended period of time.
The Central Shenandoah Valley SafeKids Coalition is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Shenandoah-Valley-Safe-Kids-Coalition/103390966384968. Like their page and follow them for other safety tips throughout the year!
