The St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department reminds Ascension residents to prepare for low temperatures next week, stated Chief Officer James E. LeBlanc.

Ascension Residents are reminded that the use of cooking burners and ovens is not a good idea to heat your home during the expected low cold temperatures coming our way in the next couple days, stated LeBlanc.

Along with the new year approaching, winter weather is on its way. Extremely cold temperatures are forecasted along with some precipitation over the next few days. The St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department wants everyone to stay safe and offers the following safety tips on how to best care for yourself and your family when temperatures start to drop.

  • Have your home’s heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • If you use your fireplace for a fire, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a fireplace fire unattended.
  • Do not burn paper in a fireplace or use an accelerant to start/grow the fire.
  • If you plan on using an alternate heating source, only use alternate heating sources approved for indoor use.
  • If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface away from combustible materials including curtains and furniture.
  • Always turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
  • Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
  • When using electric heaters, always check for fraying or splitting wires before using them. Never use extension cords, they can easily overheat.
  • Ensure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in proper working order.
  • Detectors should be tested monthly and batteries should be changed annually. All detectors should be replaced every ten years.
  • Finally, don’t forget your pets. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to fresh water.

Remember to place all heaters, whether fueled by gas, liquid fuel or wood, at least three feet away from anything that can burn including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets, and people.

If using wood stoves, follow the manufacturer’s suggested installation recommendations and have a chimney connections and flues inspected before each season. Be sure to protect the floor from heat and hot coals.

The St. Amant VFD urges you to be prepared and plan ahead for this cold weather snap.

Like St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department on face book  for further winter safety tips.

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