News List

 Mayor’s Office of Communications

55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2016

News Release

Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Offers Fire Safety Tips During Winter Weather

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) offered today a series of tips for residents and visitors for how to stay safe during frigid winter temperatures and prevent home fires.

“AFRD is committed to keeping our residents safe throughout the winter season," said Fire Chief Joel Baker. "We encourage everyone to review our winter safety tips and contact your local fire station for assistance in installing carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. We want everyone to have a safe winter, and by following some basic safety tips, you can protect yourself and your family when temperatures drop."

AFRD offers these winter safety tips:

• Make sure space heaters, fireplaces and water heaters are properly vented. Improperly vented heating equipment can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO), which can be fatal.
• Place space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable materials, like furniture and curtains.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Never use propane tanks indoors.
• Purchase high-quality carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Take a moment to test your batteries and detectors now. Make sure the batteries are working. Place carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas, and place smoke alarms on every level of the house. 
• Have your fireplace and chimney inspected once a year.
• Have your central heating system professionally inspected in the fall.
• Never attempt to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch or open flame. Pipes can conduct heat and ignite the wall.
• To prevent frozen pipes, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. When temperature falls below 32 degrees, turn at least one faucet on and allow it to drip. If pipes freeze, contact a plumber immediately.

If you live within the City of Atlanta, you can call the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department at 404-546-7000, and the department will assist with the installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors for you.

For more winter fire safety tips, visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/winter.html.

For more information on how to properly vent fireplaces and water heaters, visit http://www.nfpa.org/.

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed