New Year’s Resolutions

By District Chief Todd Draizin

Now that the holiday season is over, and we restore our home to its pre-holiday condition, we can focus on setting New Year’s Resolutions that will protect our families from hidden hazards. Here are some tips that will help you keep your safety resolutions.

The fresh pine smell of a real Christmas tree may help keep the holiday spirit a few extra days but places you and your family at an increased risk of fire. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home, garage, or placed outside against the house. Dispose of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.

Hidden fires that start small go undetected in cluttered spaces. Now that the holiday decorations are ready to be put away, don’t miss an opportunity to clean your storage areas.

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of residential fires. Now that all the holiday cooking is done, it is a great time to clean the grease and excess food build-up from the inside of the oven. ▸ Keep in mind ovens are made for cooking and not storage, and always check inside your oven before you turn it on.

Remember, when cooking on the stovetop, never leave it unattended, remain in the kitchen and stay alert. When using the oven never leave the house, stay awake and keep aware.

Dryer fires are the second leading cause of home fires. Most homeowners only clean the lint buildup on the removable screen at the front of the dryer. The hidden hazard most commonly overlooked is in the lint build up in the back of the dryer and throughout the tubing within the walls all the way through the dryer exhaust vent of the house.

Here are some additional safety tips to reduce the risk of fire while improving the efficiency of your dryer, saving you time and money; ▸ At least once a year have a dryer lint removal service clean the lint out of the entire vent pipe and have the outdoor vent flap checked to ensure it will open when the dryer is operating. ▸ Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used from the back of the dryer to the wall connection. ▸ Do not use a dryer without a lint filter and clean it before and after each load of laundry. ▸ Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks. ▸ Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer. ▸ Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

In Weston, injuries from falls are the single largest reason people call 911. Falls often occur from using an unstable ladder, climbing on roofs, unsteady bending or standing, navigating through clutter or unseen trip hazards. Wearing proper footwear, ensuring you have firm footing before moving, keeping areas free of clutter and making sure areas are well lit will help reduce your risk of an unwanted injury.

The Men and Women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office of Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year!!! ▸ For more info, please contact District Chief Todd Draizin at Weston Fire

Station #81 at 954-389-2090 or by email at Todd_Draizin@Sheriff.org.