SAFD: Keep Warm the Safe Way

San Antonio Fire's Public Information Office today provided cold weather safety tips for Finesilver residents.

Fireplaces

• Be sure that the flue is opened prior to lighting your fireplace. Smoke will quickly build up inside your home if you don’t open that flue.
• Burn only seasoned hardwood in your fireplace. Trash, cardboard boxes and related items burn unevenly and may contain toxins.
• Be sure your fireplace has a screen to prevent embers from flying out.

Space Heaters

• Only use designated, indoor heating appliances to heat your home. Stoves, generators, and propane or gas space heaters are not designed for home heating use and can cause fires or toxic gas buildup.
• Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, curtains, or even people!
• Space heaters need to be turned off and fires in fireplaces properly extinguished before you go to sleep. These devices are not meant to be used without supervision! Bundle up with layers of warm cloths and blankets to keep warm without the risk of fire.

The fire department also warns against warming up a vehicle in a garage. Exhaust fumes will quickly rise to lethal levels, and, with attached garages, carbon monoxide will permeate the rest of the house.

Visit the National Fire Protection Association for more information.

Freezing temperatures are forecast for the next few days. Stay warm, be safe.