Mayor Lee & Fire Chief Hayes-White Encourage Residents to be Aware of Increased Fire Hazards in Cold Winter Months
Fire Safety Protects San Francisco’s Residents & Valuable Housing Stock
Mayor Edwin M. Lee today joined Fire Chief Hayes-White to encourage San Francisco residents to take necessary precautions to prevent fires in the cold winter and holiday months to protect City residents. Throughout the winter months and during the holiday season, there is an increased risk of fire in homes due in part to an increase in cooking, home candles and holiday decorations. San Francisco experiences more fires during this time and those fires can be prevented that can negatively impact the City’s rent controlled housing stock and some of the City’s long term tenants.
“We must ensure our residents are safe all year round, but as winter approaches we ask that residents be extra cautious about fire safety for the sake of their families and their homes,” said Mayor Lee “I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps during the winter and holiday months to decrease fire hazards in their homes.”
“I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be vigilant in taking precautionary measures to prevent fires, especially during the winter months,” said Fire Chief Hayes-White. “Taking a few extra precautionary steps can ensure a safe holiday season.”
Residents can take a number of precautionary safety steps:
• Keep baseboard and portable heaters away from anything that can burn; furniture, curtains, papers, clothing, etc.
• Equip your fireplace with a sturdy metal screen. Check the chimney before each heating season and make necessary repairs.
• Use extension cords and multi-plug adapters as little as possible.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
• Blow out all lighted candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. And keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles do not fall off when touched. Before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Always turn off tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• Be sure Smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on a wall outside of the bedrooms on each level of your home and test them monthly.
• Be sure your family knows what to do if there is a fire. Prepare an Escape Plan and have a Home Fire Drill so your family can practice their escape.
For more information regarding fire safety guidelines and safety measures, go to: http://sf-fire.org/index.aspx?page=5.
“We must ensure our residents are safe all year round, but as winter approaches we ask that residents be extra cautious about fire safety for the sake of their families and their homes,” said Mayor Lee “I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps during the winter and holiday months to decrease fire hazards in their homes.”
“I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be vigilant in taking precautionary measures to prevent fires, especially during the winter months,” said Fire Chief Hayes-White. “Taking a few extra precautionary steps can ensure a safe holiday season.”
Residents can take a number of precautionary safety steps:
• Keep baseboard and portable heaters away from anything that can burn; furniture, curtains, papers, clothing, etc.
• Equip your fireplace with a sturdy metal screen. Check the chimney before each heating season and make necessary repairs.
• Use extension cords and multi-plug adapters as little as possible.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
• Blow out all lighted candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. And keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles do not fall off when touched. Before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Always turn off tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• Be sure Smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on a wall outside of the bedrooms on each level of your home and test them monthly.
• Be sure your family knows what to do if there is a fire. Prepare an Escape Plan and have a Home Fire Drill so your family can practice their escape.
For more information regarding fire safety guidelines and safety measures, go to: http://sf-fire.org/index.aspx?page=5.