Utah
Rethink your use of extension cords, says Utah Fire Marshal
Reexamining using extension cords is among the suggestions the Utah Fireplace Marshal had for KSL NewsRadio earlier this week. (Canva)
Estimated learn time: 1-2 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah state Fireplace Marshal Ted Black needs you to know a simple technique to make your property safer, particularly through the vacation season.
Firstly, loosen up on the extension cords. “They have been by no means meant to interchange everlasting wiring,” Black advised KSL NewsRadio, “and should not be run beneath rugs or strolling surfaces.”
He mentioned you must name an electrician to create safer, everlasting wiring to your residence.
Extension cords also needs to be evaded water — like that bowl of water below the tree — and they need to at all times be evaded children and pets.
And if the twine is frayed, or you’ve a query about whether or not or to not use it, run with that intuition. “Both get it repaired or purchase one thing new,” Black mentioned.
“It is not well worth the threat.”
Different fireplace security suggestions you might have forgotten
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are thought-about to be peak days for residence cooking fires. Do you’ve the lids for all your pots within the kitchen? Having these on the prepared can vastly assist in the occasion of a kitchen fireplace, Black mentioned.
And being tidy might help too. Understanding the place all the pieces is, and all the pieces being as an alternative can really matter when seconds depend.
And certain, you obtain a fireplace extinguisher 10 years in the past. However the place is it? And, does it nonetheless work? The Nationwide Fireplace Safety Affiliation mentioned disposable extinguishers ought to be changed each 12 years, and rechargeable extinguishers ought to be recharged each six years.
And this is the robust one.
“Throw your tree out if it will get dry,” Black mentioned. “If you happen to run your hand throughout that tree and the needles come off readily, it is time that that goes outdoors.”