Fire
Preparing Alarms for Winter
Frigid days; longer and colder nights; 12-15 hours of darkness each day; overworked furnaces; Christmas trees; candles; etc. all contribute to enhanced home safety concerns this time of year. Now is the time to change the batteries in smoke/fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It is also a good idea to completely replace smoke detectors if they are over ten years old. Newer model detectors have photo-electric sensors and will activate more quickly than the older ionization-type.
Proper placement of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is important. If installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area where occupants can be easily awakened. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provide extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Homeowners should remember not to install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up. Detectors should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.
When carbon monoxide detectors were introduced for homeowners, they had a limited lifespan of two years. However, technological advances have increased longevity and many now advertise five or even six years. Newer models are designed to signal the need for replacement after that time-span.
As cold weather causes greater reliance on furnaces for warmth, and on electrical systems for myriad needs, one must take the time to ensure that they are in good working order. Replace the filters for maximum efficiency and make sure they have a “Green Sticker,” indicating proper adjustment to current standards by certified technicians. Repair electrical “shorts” immediately and avoid overloading circuits. Also, use wisdom in the use of lighted decorations and candles.
Cottonwood Heights is a member of the Unified Fire Authority for fire and paramedic services. Please visit their website at www.unifiedfire.org for more details.
Headquarters:
3380 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119
Phone: (801)743-7200
Fax: (801)743-7211
| January 2006 Fire Report | ||
| January-06 | January-05 | |
| Medical Calls | 70 | 63 |
| Fire Calls | 199 | 218 |
| Safety Message | |||||
| Cottonwood Heights is taking great measures to implement an Emergency Resopnse Plan. City residents are encouraged to keep a 72 Hour Kit in the home. Suggested items for the kit are: | |||||
| Personal Supplies & Medication | |||||
| Food & Water | First Aid Supplies | ||||
| Protein/Granola Bars | Water purification tablets | ||||
| Trail Mix/Dried Fruit | Table salt | ||||
| Crackers/Cereal | Baking soda | ||||
| Canned Tuna, Beans, Meat, Vienna | Eye drops | ||||
| Sausages, etc | Safety pins | ||||
| Canned Juice | Matches (lighter) | ||||
| Candy/Gum | Adhesive or paper tape | ||||
| Water (1gallon/4 liters per person) | Bandages | ||||
| Other as desired | Elastic Bandage | ||||
| Splints (popsicle sticks, newspaper) | |||||
| Bedding | Heavy string | ||||
| Poncho/rain coat | Toiletries (roll of toilet paper, feminine | ||||
| Emergency Blanket | hygiene, folding brush) | ||||
| Cleaning supplies (hand sanitizer, soap, | |||||
| Fuel & Light | shampoo, dish soap, etc) | ||||
| Batter Lighting (flashlights, lamps) | Paper towels | ||||
| Extra batteries | Medications (include Acetaminophen, | ||||
| Candles | Ibuprofen, children's medication) | ||||
| Lighter | Prescription medication | ||||
| Equipment | Miscellaneous | ||||
| Can opener | Bag or bags to put kit items in (back packs) | ||||
| Dishesl/Utensils(paper & plastic) | Infant needs | ||||
| Shovel | Duct tape | ||||
| Radio (with batteries) | Storage buckets | ||||
| Pen & paper | Water barrels | ||||
| Axe | Books | ||||
| Pocket Knife | Coloring books | ||||
| Rope | Crayons | ||||
| Small games for children | |||||