The Keenan Carter Group - Keller Williams

Being so blessed here on the Central Coast of California it is not very often that we experience much in the way of extreme weather.  So as we endure a pretty radical storm (per Pismo standards), I thought it may be a good time to remind everyone of some winter safety precautions we can all so easily forget.

These tips are from CDC, the National Fire Protection Association, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to prevent injuries and deaths related to heating your home.

• Install a smoke alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Test it monthly. If it has a 9-volt battery, change the battery once a year.
• Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. If your alarm sounds, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that you press the reset button, call emergency services (911 or your local fire department), and immediately move to fresh air (either outdoors or near an open door or window). Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, get fresh air right away and contact a doctor for proper diagnosis. (Remember carbon monoxide does not have a distinct odor, so you may not notice it aside from the alarm!!)
• Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, including bedding, furniture, and clothing. Never drape clothing over a space heater to dry.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Never leave children in a room alone when a space heater is in use.
• Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed. Open the flue and use a sturdy fireplace screen when you have a fire. Burn only untreated wood; never burn paper or pine branches--pieces can float out the chimney and ignite your roof, a neighbor's roof, or nearby trees.
• If you use a wood-burning stove, have the chimney connection and flue checked each year. Make sure the stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals.
• Never use your range or oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

It's also not a bad idea to have an emergency preparedness kit (just in case).  Here is a link with loads of information, including printable supply lists, family emergency plans you can download, etc. http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

We have a tendency to think it's never going to happen to us, or never going to happen here, but reality is we need to be prepared for just about anything.  Stay safe!