William Penn Life, 2004 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-12-01 / 12. szám
HealthPage W Hibernating-^^ safely this winter Staying indoors during periods of extreme cold is a good idea, but there are potential hazards in The Great Indoors’ from the National Center for Environmental Health WHEN WINTER TEMPERATURES drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes, frostbite, hypothermia and falls on the ice, you may also face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too coldeither due to a power failure or because the heating system isn't adequate for the weather. When people must use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of household fires increases, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some things you should do to help make the "Great Indoors" a safe place this winter. Heat Your Home Safely If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and remember these safety tips: • Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space. • Do not burn paper in a fireplace. • Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater. • Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use-don't substitute. • Do not place a space heater within three feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your space heater. • Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water. • Never leave children unattended near a space heater. • Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs. • Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater. • If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it. • Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated. Light and Cook Safely If there is a power failure, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible. Never leave lit candles unattended and never use a charcoal or gas grill indoor-the fumes are deadly. Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your house because of the risk of fT carbon monoxide poisoning: 6 ffilliu Pen Life, December 2004
