Seasonal Safety Information

What to Know, What to Do
The change of seasons offer a host of activities that require special attention to life safety that we would like to take the opportunity to remind you of.

Cold weather and several things that come along with that can offer the opportunity to create code violations.

Heating

• The use of all heating appliances should be done to the manufacturer’s instructions explicitly.
• It is highly suggested that your chimney be inspected annually for clean burning operation. Make sure that no animals are near.
• If you use a portable heating appliance, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and never use an extension cord to power any appliance.
• Make sure you are aware of any ventilation needs for any appliance.
• Have and use a fireplace screen to keep sparks from leaving your hearth and causing a fire while you are burning in your fireplace.
• Never leave a fire unattended and secure the fire and fireplace area when you go to bed.
• Make sure you have your furnace inspected by a trained professional prior to using this in this heating season. Pay particular interest to your chimney and ventilation connections that there is no opportunity to suffer from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
• Check all CO and Smoke Detectors for batteries and test them for operation.
• Check your home for all available emergency fire exits and make sure that windows are operational and unobstructed for emergency use.
• Have a plan and discuss with your children what to do in the case of an emergency.
• Have a certified working fire extinguisher and make it visible and teach others how to use it.
• Make sure all your holiday decorations and electrical items are safely installed and all power cords are inspected for defects prior to use.

Call the Building Department at 518-382-5050 with any questions regarding any concerns you have with your heating systems and portable heating appliances. Think about the potential dangers and read all instructions.