NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Following multiple residential and commercial fires, the Nashville Fire Department reminded residents of how to prevent and safely escape fires this winter
Fire Marshal Al Thomas discussed the recent fires, some of which started from common causes like stovetop cooking and overused electrical outlets.
He and Deputy Fire Marshal Maggie Lawrence outlined recommendations that are particularly important this time of year as people try to stay warm.
- Don't leave anything unattended on the stove - many people leave the kitchen and forget about what's cooking. Cooking is the number one cause of fires in the U.S.
- Put something in your hand like a spoon or spatula to serve as a reminder that you're cooking.
- Always have a 36-inch perimeter around space heaters and keep pets and children away from them.
- If using kerosene heaters, leave a window cracked for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Use the proper kerosene or fuel for a heater and not racing fuel
- Clear ashes out of a fireplace and dispose of them away from the home or a place where they can reignite.
- Be careful not to overload electrical outlets. Dimming lights are an obvious sign of this.
- Close your bedroom door when sleeping.
- Clsoe doors behind you when escaping a fire.
They urged families to make escape plans, have smoke alarms and take other steps to increase their fire safety.
