IFD Safety Tips:
Space heaters - if using a space heater remember to keep a clear 3 foot perimeter around the space heater on all sides.
Remove combustibles including clothing, bedding, furniture, & curtains away from all heat sources. Only use an UL
approved space heater with automatic shut off and non-frayed cord. Plug the space heater directly into the wall outlet - do
not use a power strip or extension cord. Never leave the space heater unattended when in use - heat the room, shut the
door and unplug the space heater before going to sleep. Keep pets and children away from all heat sources but especially
the space heater as it can cause serious injury.
Never use your stove or oven to heat a room. Appliances aren't intended to be used as heat sources and can be deadly
when used improperly.
Do not leave food unattended and cooking on the stove. Especially grease. Grease can be unpredictable and should always
be heated slowly with an extinguishment method such as a lid nearby.
Please do not use candles to heat your home and when in use – never leave a candle unattended. Candle flame and wicks
can be unpredictable, flaring up and catching nearby combustibles such as cabinets, curtains and towels on fire.
If using a wood burning fireplace - make sure that all embers are extinguished prior to going to bed. Check to see that the
flue is open before lighting the fire and make sure you have a protective screen in place to keep embers in and children
away from flame.
Residents who knowingly have issues with heat protection should make plans to seek alternate overnight shelter with
family or friends. Never use generators, propane heaters or outdoor heaters inside a residential space.
Utility companies are willing to work with residents to maintain a safe living environment - please call your utility
company and work out a plan to make bill payment arrangements if necessary.
Overloaded circuit warning signs: Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights. Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown
fuses. Warm or discolored wall plates. Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing noise coming from receptacles. Burning odor coming
from receptacles or wall switches. Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches.
Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances. All major appliances should be plugged directly into
a wall receptacle outlet. Plug only one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time. A heavy reliance on
extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect
your home and add new outlets. Power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being
received from the outlet.
As with any precipitation and subsequent temperature drop - road surfaces will freeze and become hazardous. Drive
safely and make sure all occupants are wearing seat belts while the car is in motion. Keep children bundled up while
driving and all exposed skin covered.
A reminder to keep any accumulating snow cleared off of and around hydrants so arriving firefighters can see them clearly
and access them quickly. Brush, trash and cars should never be placed in front of a hydrant.
Be vigilant about your neighborhood and report unusual or suspicious activity in and around vacant or abandoned
structures. Unauthorized access by individuals seeking warmth is trespassing and residents should call 911 or the IMPD
non-emergent line at 327-3811 and let your district officer know.
Citizens Water hydrant specialists are once on hand to assist firefighters on all working fires through the activation of their
annual 24 hour hydrant specialist program. This program was established by Citizens in partnership with the IFD in
response to life safety and property conservation concerns arose over frozen, difficult and non-working hydrants
encountered during the mitigation of a fire. During extreme temperature periods a Citizens hydrant specialist will respond
on all working fires and be available should a need arise for help with water access issues. Citizens Water is responsible for
repairing and maintaining all 25,000 public hydrants in Marion County - ensuring firefighters quick access to water.
As always - IFD urges all homeowners to make sure their smoke alarms are in working order with at least one 10 year
sealed battery smoke alarm on every level of your home. Please discuss an evacuation plan with family and visitors who
may be staying in your home and agree on a pre-determined meeting place should an emergency occur and evacuation
necessary. If you need a smoke detector please call 327-6093 and someone from the IFD Fire and Life Safety Division will
assist you.