Fire Department Issues Winter Safety Tips

With the variety of dangerous weather conditions that winter can bring, including blizzards, ice storms and bitter cold, Fairfield Fire Chief Richard Felner offered the following safety tips to local residents:

* The difference between a winter storm watch and warning is that a watch means severe weather is possible, while a warning means severe weather is approaching.

* Whenever possible, home winterization should include insulating walls, weather-stripping doors and installing storm windows.

* Homeowners and renters should check to ensure that they have sufficient heating fuel.

* If your heat goes off, call for help right away and get to heated shelter; until help arrives or if you can’t safely travel, close off unused rooms; use blankets to seal off drafts from under doors; dress in layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing; keep hands and feet warm; and wear a hat to help reduce heat loss.

* When winter storms strike, stay indoors, going out only if necessary; eat regularly to ensure your body has energy for producing heat; and lower the thermostat to conserve fuel.

* Should you need to go out, bring thermal blankets, extra clothing and a cellular phone; if stuck in your car, call for help and stay in the vehicle, running the engine and heater in short intervals to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

* Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home; carbon monoxide is a deadly colorless and odorless gas, so make sure all fuel-burning appliances are installed, operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and local codes.

* Maintain vents and chimneys and examine them regularly for blockage, improper connections, visible cracks, rust or stains.

* Operate portable generators outdoors and away from open doors, windows and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.

* Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness; if you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately and call for assistance from outside the home; the Fairfield Fire Department will respond with meters to assess the home for potential hazards.

Submitted by Fairfield Fire Department