MFD warns of increased fire risks during holidays
Detectors and common sense are key to safety, MFD captain says
File photo
MEDINA – Everyone’s busy and capable of a mental lapse here and there during the holidays.
The Medina Fire Department wants to make sure a potential slip-up doesn’t wind up having devastating consequences. MFD Operations Capt. Steve Ingersoll offered tips for residents to stay safe while having an enjoyable season.
“With live (Christmas) trees, obviously, make sure they haven’t dried out, needles aren’t falling off and to water them continuously,” Ingersoll said. “Make sure your smoke detectors are working and have batteries.”
Just as important as smoke detectors are carbon monoxide detectors as people begin to heat their homes more frequently or leave their vehicle running inside their garage in an effort to warm it up, which is not advised.
“We go to several of those calls,” Ingersoll said of carbon monoxide alarms. “Even people with all-electric homes. Is your garage connected to your house? Did you start your car and leave it running? Just back the car out.”
Ingersoll recommends all homes have a carbon monoxide detector, regardless of how the home is heated.
“There was just a young couple in Mansfield two weeks ago. They had a new coal furnace put in and the power failed, so part of the system failed. They ended up dying from carbon monoxide,” he said. “It’s tragic and so preventable.”
Another common call for the department this time of year is due to extension cords, typically used for decorative lighting.
“Limit the use of extension cords. Sometimes people use these little house cords and stick eight cords in them instead of using a heavy-duty power cord. I’ve seen them cut the grounds off the cord because their outlet is only a two prong. That’s a huge shock hazard,” Ingersoll said.
Although turkey day has already passed, deep-frying the birds are still a trend leading up to Christmas. Done correctly, it’s quite an enjoyable dish. Done improperly, it can burn down your house or patio.
“We’re usually good for one or two calls a year for this, especially if they put it on a wooden deck and the turkey has water in it still. What happens is the water expands 1,800 times it size when it boils. One gallon of water equals 1,800 gallons of steam and the deck will start burning,” Ingersoll said. “Do it in the driveway or on a cement patio, away from the house. If it does boil over, shut the gas off and the fire will eventually go out.”
The use of candles should also be limited and kept away from flammable materials, such as curtains and blankets. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from walls and nowhere near any combustibles. It’s recommended turning off decorative lights if you’re not at home.
Fireplaces should always be closely monitored and should never be used without making sure its chimney is clean and clear.
“Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Those two things will help make up for your mistakes,” Ingersoll said.
The Medina Fire Department wants to make sure a potential slip-up doesn’t wind up having devastating consequences. MFD Operations Capt. Steve Ingersoll offered tips for residents to stay safe while having an enjoyable season.
“With live (Christmas) trees, obviously, make sure they haven’t dried out, needles aren’t falling off and to water them continuously,” Ingersoll said. “Make sure your smoke detectors are working and have batteries.”
Just as important as smoke detectors are carbon monoxide detectors as people begin to heat their homes more frequently or leave their vehicle running inside their garage in an effort to warm it up, which is not advised.
“We go to several of those calls,” Ingersoll said of carbon monoxide alarms. “Even people with all-electric homes. Is your garage connected to your house? Did you start your car and leave it running? Just back the car out.”
Ingersoll recommends all homes have a carbon monoxide detector, regardless of how the home is heated.
“There was just a young couple in Mansfield two weeks ago. They had a new coal furnace put in and the power failed, so part of the system failed. They ended up dying from carbon monoxide,” he said. “It’s tragic and so preventable.”
Another common call for the department this time of year is due to extension cords, typically used for decorative lighting.
“Limit the use of extension cords. Sometimes people use these little house cords and stick eight cords in them instead of using a heavy-duty power cord. I’ve seen them cut the grounds off the cord because their outlet is only a two prong. That’s a huge shock hazard,” Ingersoll said.
Although turkey day has already passed, deep-frying the birds are still a trend leading up to Christmas. Done correctly, it’s quite an enjoyable dish. Done improperly, it can burn down your house or patio.
“We’re usually good for one or two calls a year for this, especially if they put it on a wooden deck and the turkey has water in it still. What happens is the water expands 1,800 times it size when it boils. One gallon of water equals 1,800 gallons of steam and the deck will start burning,” Ingersoll said. “Do it in the driveway or on a cement patio, away from the house. If it does boil over, shut the gas off and the fire will eventually go out.”
The use of candles should also be limited and kept away from flammable materials, such as curtains and blankets. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from walls and nowhere near any combustibles. It’s recommended turning off decorative lights if you’re not at home.
Fireplaces should always be closely monitored and should never be used without making sure its chimney is clean and clear.
“Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Those two things will help make up for your mistakes,” Ingersoll said.
