|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – WASHINGTON, — Bone chilling temperatures have gripped much of the country, and the American Red Cross urges everyone to be safe and prepare as much as possible.
Many are looking to cut down on expenses when temperatures drop and home-heating costs rise. “There is usually an increase in home fires at this time of year because of the use of candles and space heaters,” said Scott Conner, Red Cross senior vice president for Preparedness and Health and Safety Services. “We have steps people can follow to reduce their risk of starting a fire in their home, and still cut down on their heating bills.”
HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY
— All heaters need space! Keep things that can burn, such as paper,
bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment,
fireplaces and stoves.
— Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface.
Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes,
and keep children and pets away. Look for a model that shuts off
automatically if the space heater tips over. Do not use heating
equipment to dry wet clothing.
— Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
— Never leave portable heaters, wood burning stoves or fireplaces
unattended. Turn them off before leaving or going to bed.
— Keep the fire in the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large
enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
CUT DOWN ON YOUR HEATING BILLS
— Eliminate drafts. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to
surround windows and door moldings. Cover your windows with plastic
sheeting. If you have storm windows or storm doors, get them up to
keep the cold out.
— Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture.
— Turn down the thermostat.
— Close off any rooms that aren’t in use and close heat vents or turn
off radiators in those rooms.
— Insulate your light switch and outlet plates with foam pads. Cold air
can seep into the house through them.
— Use heavy curtains to keep cold air out. Open them during the day to
let the sun help warm your home and close them at night. Use fabric
snakes or old carpets in front of windows and doors to help eliminate
drafts.
— Turn off vent fans in the kitchen and bathroom when they are no longer
needed.
— Set ceiling fans to blow air down.
DON’T FORGET FIDO AND YOUR NEIGHBOR
— Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Don’t forget gloves
or mittens, and a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
— Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to
maintain footing in ice and snow.
— Don’t forget pets — bring them indoors. If that’s not possible,
provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get
to unfrozen water.
— Check on people who require special assistance such as elderly people
living alone, people with disabilities and children.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org/.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com
We videotape Press Conferences, produce SMT’s, B-rolls, PSA’s, – all with distribution: HealthyTelevisionProductions