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Winter Fire Safety Tips 

Santa Fe – January 28, 2010 – Winter Weather Home Fire Prevention Tips Provided By The Santa Fe County Fire Prevention Division.

· If you use a wood-burning heat source (wood stove or fireplace), verify there is no buildup in your chimney and ensure that it is in good working order.

· Check the firebrick in your stoves and fireplaces for cracks and replace any damaged brick. .

· If you use a wood-burning heat source (wood stove or fireplace), please remember to dispose of ash in a metal container with a lid and wet it down.

· To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, have all gas appliances (stoves, water heaters, furnaces and dryers) checked by a professional annually to ensure that the appliances are receiving enough combustion air.

· Change the filters on your furnace regularly.

· If you use space heaters (gas or electric), keep a minimum distance of 3 feet or the Manufacturer’s Recommended distance, from combustible items such as furniture, curtains and toys.

· Check your clothes dryers for buildup of lint in the receptacle and behind the dryer where the exhaust hose is connected.

· Go through your home and check for any water pipes that may be exposed and freeze in the winter. If your water pipes freeze, do not use an open flame source (such as a torch) to thaw the pipe.

For more information, contact Victoria DeVargas, Fire Prevention Specialist at (505)995-6523 or vdevargas@santafecounty.org