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With temperatures headed below zero in the next few days, the risk for home fires increases. However, many of these fires are preventable, and you can reduce their risks of becoming a fire casualty by identifying potential hazards and following simple safety tips.
Extreme cold increases the risk of residential fires. said Barry Brickey Public Education Officer for the Kingsport Fire Department. Alternate heating and cooking sources also increase the chance of fire. By following some basic safety tips, you can protect yourself and your family when severe weather strikes.”
The Kingsport Fire Department offers these cold weather tips:
Heating Safety
- Use kerosene heaters and space heaters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
- Make sure your alternative heaters have ‘tip switches.’ These ‘tip switches’ are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
- Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
- Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
- Refuel heaters only outdoors.
- Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least three feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
- Ensure that your carbon monoxide alarm is working.
Generator Safety
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using generators.
- Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
- Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
- Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
- Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or ‘backfeed’ can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Electrical Safety
- If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
- Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
- Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
- Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
- Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
- Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
Additional Tips
- Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children.
- If the power goes out, make certain that all electrical appliances, such as stoves, electric space heaters and hair dryers, are in the OFF position.
- Make certain that your home’s smoke alarms are in proper working order.
- Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home’s electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least twice a year.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and inside and outside of sleeping areas.
- All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least twice a year.
- If your smoke alarms are over ten years old they need to be replaced with Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms with long life batteries.
- If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow, ice and debris for easy access by the fire department.
For more safety tips got to http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires
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KINGSPORT – A special called Work Session is scheduled for‚ Tues., Feb. 17, 2015 at noon in the‚ City Hall Council Room to meet with Sullivan County Election Administrator Jason Booher concerning the proposed amendment to the City Charter as listed on the agenda.
KINGSPORT – Today’s regularly scheduled Board of Mayor and Aldermen work session has been canceled due to weather and road conditions.
KINGSPORT – All Parks and Recreation facilities including Bays Mountain Park as well as the Public Library, Senior Center, Cultural Arts offices, and the Aquatic Center are closing at 1 p.m. Monday, February 16, and will not reopen until 1 p.m. Tuesday as weather and road conditions permit.
KINGSPORT – For the safety of customers and drivers, the Kingsport Area Transit Service will close today, Monday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 a.m. given the winter storm warning currently in effect for Northeast Tennessee. On Tuesday, operations will run on a two hour delay, with service starting at 9:30 a.m. contingent on weather and road conditions.
KINGSPORT – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect from 7:00 AM today, Monday, February 16, 2015, until 7:00 AM tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17, 2015, predicting a significant snow event possibly mixing with or changing to sleet or freezing rain.‚ This storm brings with it the possibility of total snow accumulation of four to nine inches accompanied by ice accumulation of one-third of an inch.‚ The precipitation is predicted to move into the area later this morning and taper off after midnight.
Heavy ice and snow accumulation may create widespread hazardous travel conditions on area roadways as well as power outages and tree damage.‚ For the remainder of the week following the storm, temperatures are expected to plummet into the sub-zero range.‚ Should this storm come to fruition, any travel will be strongly discouraged.‚ AREA RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO HEED THIS WINTER STORM WARNING AND STAY HOME.‚ In the event that travel is absolutely necessary, motorists are encouraged to stock their vehicle with emergency items such as bard, water, blankets, and a flashlight.
Power outages should be reported 24 hours-a-day to American Electric Power (A.E.P.) by calling 800-967-4237.
During regular business hours, water line breaks can be reported directly to the City of Kingsport Water Department by calling 423-229-9416. Also during regular business hours, hazardous roadway conditions, downed trees, etc. can be reported directly to the City of Kingsport Public Works Department by calling 423-229-9451.‚ After hours, both of these issues may be reported by calling the NON-EMERGENCY number to Kingsport Central Dispatch, 423-246-9111.
CALLING 9-1-1 SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR GENUINE EMERGENCIES.