November 29, 2006
WINTER WEATHER FIRE SAFETY
Winter temperatures are expected to arrive overnight and the Midland Fire Department wants to remind citizens to be fire safe this winter and holiday season. There are steps everyone can take to help prevent tragedy.
● Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
● Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate a fire in a wood stove or fireplace.
● Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shutoff in case they tip over. Improper spacing or positioning of the heater often results in fire. Place a minimum of three feet clearance from any combustible material when in use.
● Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar buildup is a common cause of chimney fires.
● Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks igniting nearby carpets or furniture.
● Dispose of hot ashes in covered metal containers placed away from the house.
● Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL-listed device such as a hand-held dryer.
● Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
● Inspect all electrical cords, space heater and Christmas tree lights, for any fraying or damage.
WATER UTILITIES TIPS FOR WINTERIZING YOUR HOME
The City of Midland Utilities Department reminds customers to winterize your home before the first hard freeze hits. Below are some hints to help you get ready for cold weather.
■ Disconnect all outside hoses from hose bibs and wrap hose bibs.
■ Adjust automatic sprinkler systems for less frequent watering or turn them off manually. Bermuda grass goes dormant in winter and fescue only needs to be watered once every two weeks assuming we have no moisture such as rain, fog, snow, etc.
■ Insulate any hot water heaters located in a garage or a non-heated area. Hot water freezes faster than cold water and insulating your water heater also saves energy.
■ If you are going out of town for the holidays, set your heater thermostat no lower than 55 degrees and expose under the sink pipes by leaving doors open. This is particularly true of sinks located on outside walls.
RESTROOMS IN PARKS CLOSED FOR WINTER
The City of Midland Parks & Recreation Staff want to remind citizens that all restrooms located in City parks will be winterized and closed. This is part of Parks and Recreation's annual maintenance schedule.
The process involves 13 parks (all City parks with restrooms) and 29 facilities. Winterizing includes cutting off the water supply, filling bowls with antifreeze to keep the water in the lines and the toilets from freezing, as well and cleaning the restrooms before locking and securing.
The restrooms will reopen in March 2007.
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