The City of Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau encourages you to consider the following fire safety tips to help protect yourself, your family, your home or business from the potential threat of fire during or after a winter storm:

• Promptly remove snow (or have someone remove snow) from entry and exit doors of your home or business. This includes those that may be needed for emergency evacuation or escape in the event of fire.
• If a fire hydrant is near your home or business, try to keep it clear of snow and debris for easy access by the fire department. Also try to keep any fire alarm boxes accessible.
• Avoid driving on roads so that vehicles needed to respond to emergencies, clear snow or spread sand can do so safely.
• If heat is lost, safely prevent pipes from freezing. If pipes do freeze, special care should be taken in thawing them. Open flames should not be used.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using generators and alternative/temporary space heaters.
• Use a generator or gas fired grill outdoors only. In addition to the threat of fire, Carbon Monoxide (CO) produced is odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
• When using a generator, use appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires. Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
• Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of carbon monoxide (C0).
• Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away from alternative/temporary space heaters.
• Make sure alternative heaters have "tip switches." These "tip switches" are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
• Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Remember, have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
• Use a glass or metal mesh screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items. Always burn appropriate wood fuel and never leave unattended.
• Be very careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children. Do not use candles in places where they can be knocked over. Place on secure furniture, in sturdy holders that are non-combustible and big enough to collect dripping wax. Keep wicks trimmed to ¼ inch, and extinguish when down to within two inches of the holder. Of course, battery powered lighting is always preferred.