Fall NEWSLETTER
14
Ocean City Fire Department Reminds:
Stay Safe This Winter
appliances occur because the devices weren’t cleaned regularly, were placed or
installed too close to combustible materials, had design or operational flaws,
or were fueled improperly. The Ocean City Fire Department wants you to
remember to keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heating
and inspected at least annually by a professional.
Also, as you ready your house for the colder months ahead don’t forget about
your water system. When water freezes, it expands. So if the temperature of
your pipes drops below 32 degrees, even for a short period, you run the risk
of a pipe fracture or worse. Take the following precautions now to avoid a
major headache later.
Inside Your Home: Anywhere cold air blows on a pipe, it creates the
potential for freezing. To make sure your pipes are well-insulated, close crawl
lot of cold air blow in; make sure you fill in all the cracks.
• A bathroom or laundry room located above or next to a garage
can be particularly vulnerable, so keep the garage door closed to
maintain maximum heat.
• If your bathroom pipes run along an outside exterior wall, try keeping
the vanity door(s) open to allow heat inside. If you’re anticipating a
deep freeze, consider using a fan to help circulate the air near the
pipes, or purchase a small space heater for some extra temporary heat.
(higher if you’ve had problems in the past or live in an area of
extreme cold). If you have multiple heat zones, be sure to adjust
all thermostats appropriately.
Outside Your Home: Disconnect and store garden hoses. If your home
from those faucets.
professional company to blow out any leftover water in the
underground lines. A broken sprinkler pipe can do damage to the
delicate components that make up the entire system, increasing
the cost of repair.
Depending on the age of your house, it can be inside a garage,
basement or laundry room, or underground in your yard. After
and release the pressure in your pipes.
Be Fire Safe this Holiday Season
Now that we have protected your home from heat and frozen water, the
Ocean City Fire Department wants to make sure you have a safe holiday
season at home. Did did you know that the holiday season is the leading
frying your Thanksgiving turkey has become an increasing trend, the Ocean
City Fire Marshal strongly urges against it, while also advising to refrain
from excessive alcohol consumption while cooking.
Holiday Cooking Safety Tips
• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking so you can keep an eye on
the food.
• Keep children away from the hot stove and oven. You should always
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test yours monthly by
pushing the test button.
• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking so you can keep an eye
on the food.
• Keep children away from the hot stove and oven. You should
always create a safety zone of at least 3 feet around cooking
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test yours monthly
by pushing the test button.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or
identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t
the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure
to water it daily.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three
feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters,
radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory,
and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor
or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose
bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number
of light strands to connect.
Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
After Christmas, remember to get rid of your tree and Bring outdoor
electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make
them last longer. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left
in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
Christmas Tree Drop-Off Site Located at 100th St. Municipal
Parking Lot. Once again, the Town of Ocean City will help you dispose of
your Christmas tree. Learn more: oceancitymd.gov
/oceancitymd.gov