Published in December 20, 2022
Huntsville Fire & Rescue urges the public to practice fire safety as extreme cold weather approaches the Tennessee Valley.
Forecasters expect a strong arctic air mass to push through the region from the night of Thursday, December 22, through the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service projects temperatures to drop into the single digits at times with wind chill values as low as minus 15 degrees. Flurries of snow are also possible Thursday night and Friday morning.
In the event of power outages, Fire and Rescue Chief Mac McFarlen advises residents not to use traditional candles for emergency lighting. Instead, citizens must turn to flameless or LED candles, flashlights, and other means of lighting.
According to the US Fire Administration (USFA), Christmas is the peak day for candle fires. Add potentially strong winds to the mix and the risk increases. For those using traditional candles, the USFA recommends keeping them at least 12 inches from anything that could burn.
“As wintry weather is expected throughout the weekend, we encourage everyone to only use flameless candles, which are a safe and smoke-free option,” he said. “We also advise against unnecessary outdoor fire pits during high winds, as sparks from the fire can travel to surrounding vegetation or structures, causing a potentially devastating fire.”
Other fire safety tips during extreme cold:
Make sure all smoke alarms are working properly. Keep fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, radiators, or space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable surfaces. Place portable generators outside, away from windows and as far from your home as possible.
Source: news.google.com