SPRINGFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

THE SPRINGFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT WANTS YOU TO KEEP YOUR HOME AND THOSE IN IT SAFE THIS WINTER

The Springfield Fire Department offers these reminders to help keep you safe in your home.

• Be attentive when cooking. Statistics show that home structure fires peak around dinner time between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Home fires that start in the kitchen frequently result in injury.
• Make sure that space heaters are 3 feet away from everyone and everything that might get burned. Trees, wrapping paper, boxes and even children or pets can turn a space heater into a fire starter. Fireplaces also need a "safe zone" in addition to the screen or glass door.
• Use electrical cords that are the right size and right type for the job. Like outlets, cords that are too small or overloaded generate heat. Check electrical cords and outlets frequently to make sure they aren’t heating up and never use indoor cords for outside applications.
• Use ladders according to manufacturers’ instructions and BE CAREFUL. The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that during November and December 2010, more than 13,000 people were treated in emergency departments nationwide due to injuries involving holiday decorations.
• Place candles where children or pets won’t disturb them. To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations. Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.
• Place candles where children or pets won’t disturb them. To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations. Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.
• Know the dangers associated with natural decorations. Decorations like natural pine Christmas trees can be like inviting a forest fire into your home when they become dry. While Christmas tree fires may not be common, they are likely to be serious. Here’s a link that shows one example and a good reason to make sure they are NEVER placed where they can block your exit.
• Check your smoke detectors and making sure that everyone practices your escape plan. Everyone should know what to do before going to sleep. Only 20% of house fires happen between 11pm and 7am, but these fires cause half of all home fire deaths. Practicing is key to knowing what to do when seconds count.
• Check Carbon Monoxide detectors to see that they are functioning properly. What you can’t see or smell has been blamed for being the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the home. Hundreds die and thousands are hospitalized each year.

The winter season comes with more than its share of hazards outside, so make sure you reduce or eliminate hazards and stay safe while inside.

Sangamon County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan