Manteno Fire Dept.

* Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. Chimney tar build-up can ignite your chimney, roof and the whole house. Space heaters need space. Keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.

* Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.

* If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders are placed where they can not be easily knocked down. Never leave the room with candles burning.

* Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Make certain tree stands are filled with water at all times and do not smoke near an indoor tree.

*Look for a live Christmas tree that's fresh and green. The needles should bend and not snap between your fingers. A dry tree is a serious fire hazard, so water yours often.

*Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.

* Working smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.

* Remember to also test smoke alarms monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

The United States Fire Administration reports that more than 70 percent of fire deaths occur in residences, with children and the elderly facing the highest risks.

This holiday season make sure to include the gift of fire safety for all your family and friends. Every life is precious.

Warning about GAS CONNECTORS

The uncoated flexible brass gas appliance connector, generally found in three-four-foot lengths, has the potential to fail and cause fire or explosion.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that since 1980 the uncoated brass flexible connector has been associated with about 40 deaths and 65 civilian injuries nationwide. No injuries or deaths were reported among firefighters.

If anyone ever think they smell gas, they should call the fire department 911 as soon as possible to have them check it out.

The correct connection to be used could be found at Jacobs Ace Hardware.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms (CO)

What do you do when your CO alarm goes off?

Call the fire department via 911
Keep all windows and doors closed
Check to see if anyone is feeling ill
If anyone is ill, leave the house and wait for the fire department outside

Why do we say to keep windows and doors closed?

In order to get an accurate reading of the levels present, we need undisturbed air quality

What should you say when you call 911?

Give the exact address and advise them your carbon monoxide alarm is going off.
Let the dispatcher know if anyone is ill (symptoms can include headaches, nausea, or flu-like symptoms)

What kind of detector should you buy?

Nighthawk with digital readout seems to be the best.

Do not place the detector in furnace room
or close to stove if it is a gas stove!!!!

Extinguishing a Fire in the Kitchen

Fire extinguishers are a good way to put out kitchen fires if the fire gets too intense; however there are important rules to follow regarding fire extinguishers:

* Store it away from the stove
* It should be approved for a B-type (flammable liquids) or C-type (electrical) fires
* It should not weigh over 5 lbs.

* Be at a safe, but good range to reach the fire with the chemicals
* Pull release pin at the base of the extinguisher
* Aim at the fire (base)
* Move the extinguisher back and forth at the base of the fire with a sweeping motion.

IF THE FIRE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE EXTINGUISHING, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY AND GET OUT OF THE BUILDING!

* Clean appliances regularly
* Wear sensible clothing...short sleeves and clothes that won't drag over the stove or oven.
* Never leave food cooking unattended