Winter Weather: CFD Asks Residents To Help

The Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) would like to remind residents to stay safe during severely cold weather.

In addition, since the severe weather impacts response times as firefighters compete with adverse weather and road conditions, the Cincinnati Fire Department will be fully staffed during the next few days.

To aid in their response efforts, the CFD is asking residents to please:

• Clear snow form around fire hydrants to allow the fire fighters better access.
• Clear a path to your front door.
• Make sure your house address numbers remain visible and are not blocked by snow.
• When driving, make sure to leave room for emergency vehicles to pass-go right for sirens and lights.
• Check on elderly friends and neighbors and lend them a hand.
• Dress appropriately when outside – add layers of clothing.
• Have a winter emergency kit inside your car including: jumper cables, wiper fluid, first aid kit, blanket, gloves, flashlight/flares, and some salt or kitty liter for traction.
• Only shovel snow if you are medically and physically able.

When using a fireplace, wood-burning stove or heaters:

• Always make sure you have proper ventilation.
• Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Always keep a screen around an open flame.
• Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
• Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
• Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States. Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless, odorless gas.

The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.

• NEVER run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.
• NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and call 911.

If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
• Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
• Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
• When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

Finally, as in every season:

• Make sure to have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.
• Know when and how to call for help.
• Remember to practice your home escape plan.
• For maximum protection, the Cincinnati Fire Department encourages the use of both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms.
  • Photoelectric Alarms: Quickly sense smoke from smoldering, smoky fires, such as those ignited by a cigarette falling between sofa cushions.
  • Ionization Alarms: Quickly sense smoke caused by flaming, fast-moving fires, such as a kitchen fire.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF A FIRE OCCURS!!!