Thanksgiving Fire Safety

Top causes for cooking fires:

• Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in these fires.
• Having something that can catch fire too close to cooking equipment.
• Unintentionally turning on or not turning off the stove.

Cook with Caution:

• Be on alert! Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking.  If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.
• Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away from any cooking area to prevent burns.

If you have a cooking fire:

• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• When in doubt, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 after you leave.

For more info, go to http://www.cabq.gov/fire/news/be-fire-free-this-thanksgiving

 

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risk Increases as Temps Drop

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas and at high levels causes hundreds of deaths annually. CO can escape from appliances you use year-round: your furnace, stove, portable generator, gas range, car or by burning charcoal and wood in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Use these safety tips to keep your family safe:

- Install battery-operated CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
- Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.
- Have gas or oil furnaces, wood stoves and fireplaces inspected by a qualified professional annually.
- Never use the oven or stove to heat your home.
- Fully extinguish fireplaces before leaving the home or going to bed.

Sirens for Homeless Student Collection Drive

The drive starts today and runs through Dec. 3rd. Drop off non- perishable food, packaged socks and underwear, and/or standard sized toiletries at any city or county fire or police station. For more info, go to http://www.cabq.gov/fire/

Reminder to replace batteries today

When changing clocks back one hour today, it's a perfect time to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. For safety tips, go to www.cabq.gov/fire