It’s that time of year the North Country dreads in the summer months but cherishes during the holiday season: winter is upon us! The sparkling snow under the clear night skies brings joyous memories and an ironically warm feeling in the silence the frost brings. We might feel the glitter and glow on the inside but we know the temperatures outside can cause chaos in our homes if we are not prepared. Let’s look at some tips to keep the fires in our hearts and away from our homes this season.
1) Check your dryer vents! Hopefully we are all removing the lint from the lint traps each time we use our dryers but are you checking your dryer ventilation? December is a great time to clean out those vents and make sure there are no blockages in the dryer vents and ducts. Built up lint can become a fire hazard that is easily preventable in your home. If you’re not sure what to look for contact your local energy advisor!
2) Is your heating system “on the fritz?” By this point you’ve most likely turned up the heat in your home but when was the last time your system was inspected? If you qualify for HEAP you could be eligible for the Clean and Tune benefit. This benefit can include primary heat system cleaning and minor repairs as well as installs of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats. This is another program your local energy advisor can assist in connecting you to!
3) Save the toys! If you use space heaters make sure they are never left unattended. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the space heater or any heat source in general. This means even though we probably did it as kids you should not put your wet snow gear on the radiator it is a fire hazard! As beautiful as it is to see those Christmas trees next to the fireplace in Hallmark movies your homes will not be the glistening feature when your living room catches fire for putting the holiday centerpiece next to flames…or the radiator or the base board heater. Don’t forget the three feet rule!
4) Know where your fire extinguishers are located in your home. Luckily most fire extinguishers are red so they’ll fit in perfectly with your holiday décor! Check the date on your fire extinguisher and replace as needed. Don’t have one in your home? An extinguisher will cost between $15-$45 for a residential sized unit.
5) Test and check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! When you start to hear those slow beeps it may be time to replace the batteries. If you are unsure if you have a carbon monoxide detector contact your local fire department. Some departments have programs that provide free carbon monoxide detectors to residents.
6) What are you doing with your wrapping paper? Our first instinct with wrapping paper might be to throw it away or worse burn it. Burning wrapping paper can be harmful especially if it is glossy or waxy with a bright or metallic finish as it can release toxic chemicals in the air. Instead consider alternatives like reusing the paper for another gift recycling the paper or composting it! For more information on composting your wrapping paper contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office.
7) Blow out the candles! Candles help make your home festive whether you’re lighting the menorah for Hanukkah or trying to get that fresh balsam smell without the sap and responsibility of watering a real tree. Be sure to put out those flames before going to bed or leaving the house. Unattended candles are a shoo-in for disaster!
Fires can happen in an instant especially in Northern New York during the holidays. Aside from the potential loss of property, fumes from the flames can cause major health problems. Even worse, we could experience the loss of loved ones. Make a plan to stay safe this winter so we can all be together to enjoy the North Country summer next year. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!"
Written by: Kayla Groff, Energy Program Manager