Fire Safety in the Winter

As we work together to keep our district safe, we want to bring your attention to several critical home safety measures. Prevention is our most powerful tool. Please take a moment to review this checklist and ensure your home and family are prepared for any emergency.

Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen and shop. Store gasoline safely. Never run a gasoline generator inside the home.

Fire Safety & Prevention

Home Fire Extinguishers: Your First Line of Defense

• Count & Location: We recommend at least one extinguisher on every level of your home, specifically in the kitchen, garage, and near the furnace/utility room.

• Type & Size: A 5 lb. ABC-rated extinguisher is the most versatile standard for residential use (A=Trash/Wood/Paper, B=Liquids, C=Electrical equipment).

• Readiness: Check the pressure gauge monthly to ensure the needle is in the green. Shake dry chemical extinguishers monthly to prevent the powder from settling. Replace or professionally recharge them immediately after any use or if they are older than the manufacturer’s recommendation (typically 12 years).

Electrical Hazards

• Inspect cords for fraying or cracking. Do not run cords under rugs.

• Avoid overloading outlets or power strips. If a breaker trips frequently, call a licensed electrician immediately.

• Check that heat-producing appliances (space heaters, toasters) are plugged directly into wall outlets, not extension cords.

General Home Maintenance

• Dryer Vents: Clean your dryer lint screen after every load and have the main vent duct cleaned annually to prevent fire spread.

• Air Ducts: Keep HVAC systems clean to ensure efficiency and reduce dust/debris circulation.

Utilities & Fuels

Natural Gas Safety

• Know where your main gas shutoff valve is located and keep a wrench nearby.

• If you smell "rotten eggs," evacuate immediately and call 911 from a safe distance. Do not operate light switches or phones inside the house.

Propane Tank Safety

• Marking: If you have an underground tank, ensure the dome is clearly visible and marked with a flag or stake so apparatus don't drive over it in deep snow or tall grass.

• Vegetation: Clear weeds and brush within 10 feet of any propane tank.

Backup Generator Safety

• Portable Generators: NEVER run a generator inside the home, garage, or enclosed space. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), which can kill in minutes. Keep them at least 20 feet from windows and doors.

• Installed Systems: Ensure professional installation with a transfer switch to prevent "back-feeding" power into the grid, which endangers utility workers fixing lines down the road. Also, label your switch panel so that it is obvious that you have a secondary power source. First Responders may not know that you have a generator or solar panels and need to be able to turn it off. 

Emergency Access & Response

Help Us Find You

• Driveway Width: Ensure your driveway is cleared of overhanging branches (13.5 ft vertical clearance) and wide enough for large fire apparatus (12 ft width).

• Pullouts are for Emergencies: strict "No Parking" rules apply to emergency vehicle pullouts and turnarounds. If you have a long enough driveway that it has a pullout, that’s what it is for. Blocking these areas can delay response time or trap fire engines during an evacuation.

Recreational Safety

• Pools: Ensure pools are fenced with self-latching gates.

• Hot Tubs: Keep covers locked when not in use.

Hazardous Materials & Crime Prevention

HazMat at Home

• Store gasoline, pesticides, and paint thinners in approved containers in a well-ventilated, detached shed if possible.

• Never mix household cleaners (e.g., bleach and ammonia create toxic gas).

Protecting Against Crime

• Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home.

• Keep garage doors closed and locked even when you are home.

• Get to know your neighbors; a tight-knit community is the best deterrent against suspicious activity.