Posts Tagged ‘preventing house fires’

Nor’easter brings early snow and flooding warnings

Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Photo by Sister72

Photo by Sister72

New York is starting its fall season with snow, not falling leaves. A nor’easter visited the state on Thursday and brought school closures, traffic jams, power outages, chaos, and confusion. This is the earliest snow fall on record for New York.

Many relief shelters opened up throughout the state to help those that did not have power in their homes stay warm. Flood warnings were issued for New York City on Sunday, October 18, 2009. The Staten Island Advance reports:

“Significant coastal flooding due to high winds and heavy rains is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

“‘The increase in wind, combined with higher astronomical tide levels and tidal piling will cause tidal levels to increase 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet,’ the service cautioned.”

Other states along the East Coast also experienced the strange weather this weekend. More on this story.

Winter weather has come earlier than expected. Home and business owners need to remember to take precautions when the weather turns cold. First, one needs to make sure pipes are well insulated so they do not burst and flood a building.

Second, heating equipment needs to be used properly, in a manner that will not burn a building down. Learn more about protecting a home from a fire.

Weekend Fire in Brooklyn Deadly

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

Photo by confidentjohn CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Two victims trapped inside a Brooklyn home this morning died as a result of an early morning fire on Sunday. Neighbors of the victims attempted to help, but the flames were too intense and smoke too thick.

It took crews over an hour to put the fire out. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Read the full story here.

Fires kill thousands of people each year in the United States. Here are some easy tips for preventing home fires:

  • Walk around your home and inspect it to make sure all electrical wiring is in safe working condition.
  • Never cook if you are really tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Do not fall asleep while smoking.
  • Consider installing an in-home sprinkler system.
  • Check the natural gas lines in the home for any irregularities.
  • Keep the kitchen stove and surrounding object clean and free of grease.
  • Be very careful with space heaters and follow the safety instructions in the user’s manual.
  • Properly maintain your fireplace.
  • Never leave candles unattended.
  • Never plug too many things into an electrical cord.
  • Teach children about fire safety.
  • Clean clothes dryer vents before every new load.
  • Keep lawn clippings away from the home.
  • Use caution if using a grill on a wooden deck, close to the home.
  • Extinguish matched with water to prevent trashcan fires.

More on protecting your home from a fire.

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