Winter Safety Reminders

Fire is something that is top-of-mind during the summer, but winter poses its own fire and safety hazards. After the community witnessed the heartbreaking house fire on Woodland Drive, we thought it would be helpful to share some fire/safety tips in an effort to keep our homes and community safe:

  • Chimneys and fire place flues should be inspected and or cleaned every few years.
  • Smoke and CO2 alarms, even ones which are wired into the home, need to have their battery replaced one a year, routinely tested and be on every level. Replace if over 10 years old.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment ie; space/portable heaters.
  • Develop and practice a home fire escape plan which includes a meeting place outside the home, important documents to take and an exit strategy.
  • Help keep snow cleared from any adjacent hydrants.
  • Keep your gas meter accessible for turning off. Watch out for ice above that might fall and damage the meter.
  • Remove any rooftop snow or ice that might pose a safety hazard to you or your visitors.
  • Keep emergency generators away from windows while in operation. This will prevent CO2 from entering the home.
  • Never leave candles unattended for any period of time.
  • Have fire extinguishers placed through out the home and know how to use them correctly.
  • If you have pets, let your neighbors know and consider putting a pet alert sticker on your door/window.
  • Ensure your address is visible on your home and mailbox.

Get to know your neighbors. Work together on ideas that might help each other in a time of crisis. Our actions and ideas today will affect how we react tomorrow.

Mike Quinones
Fire & Safety Information Coordinator
Summit Park HOA