by Roxanne Prather, Member Services Representative
Winter is here and with that comes all kinds of things that a person probably knows, but we don’t always think about. So let’s go over some things worth remembering.
● You should have a smoke detector on every level of your home that is just outside the sleeping areas.
A good smoke detector can save lives but unless we take the time to change the batteries regularly, they are useless. In most detectors you should change the batteries twice a year. One way to remember is to change them at the same time when you set your clocks for daylight savings. Some of the new detectors come with a ten-year battery and are designed to be replaced as a unit. If you have this kind then you don’t have to change batteries, just replace the unit in ten years.
● Keep areas around your heating system clear.
Your furnace needs air to burn the fuel, which is why it is so important to change filters regularly. Also make sure there are never any combustibles stored near a furnace.
● Never leave engines running in an attached garage.
This goes for lawnmowers, snow blowers, cars, or anything else with an internal combustion engine. Even if the door in the garage is open.
● Get a Carbon Monoxide Alarm.
They protect you against the odorless gas produced by defective heaters burning natural gas, oil, propane, wood, or kerosene. Call the fuel company immediately if the alarm goes off!
Symptoms of carbon poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, irregular breathing, and confusion.
● Check wires on cords.
In high use areas like the kitchen, inspect the coffee pot, toaster, crock pot, any appliance you use with a cord that gets a lot of use. If any look worn or cracked, replace the appliance or the cord. Don’t forget to do the same in bedrooms where kids have lots of games and other equipment plugged in. Make sure everyone knows to never pull a plug out of an outlet by the cord, and to never overload the outlet; this will help prevent fires.
● Use plastic safety caps in electrical outlets.
This is mostly if there are small children in the home. Children love to poke things into wherever they can. Even though we try, we can’t always watch them.
● Never stick metal objects into appliances.
Like a knife into the toaster when the bread gets stuck! Always unplug the toaster first to prevent getting shocked.
If you must use a space heater, make sure you keep it away from everything where it won’t get tipped over or catch something on fire. Keep an eye on it, some of them get hot and overheat which can cause a fire.
● Keep everyone away from downed power lines.
Even though you think the power is off there could be power coming through the line. Never go out and cut a tree off the line yourself. This could be extremely dangerous to yourself and anyone around you. Please call 911 if there is a tree over your line or contact North Itasca Electric at (218) 743-3131.
