Residents urged to review fire safety and prevention tips

By Guest Columnist, Fire Chief, D’quan Wilson

With cooler months fast approaching, make sure to review these fire safety and prevention tips.

• Prioritize checking and maintaining heating sources, like fireplaces and furnaces.
• Keep flammable materials at least three to five feet away from heat sources like space heaters.
• Don’t leave candles, frying food or any open flame unattended at any time.
• Never overload electrical outlets.
• Do not plug microwaves, space heaters or any other appliance into surge protectors.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Be proactive by having a fire escape plan.
• Be extremely cautious when disposing of fireplace ashes, as they could definitely rekindle.

In the event of a fire, immediately dial 911.