[StBernard] St. Bernard Parish issues freeze warning

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Parish issues freeze warning

 

St. Bernard Parish Government officials are asking that residents be
particularly careful during the freezing weather that is anticipated over
the next few days. 

 

"As you are aware, we are experiencing temperatures that are colder than
average and this week we are under a freeze warning with the temperatures in
the coming days into the weekend projected to be in the 20's," Parish
President Craig P. Taffaro, Jr. said. "We are making preparations for our
own assets to be protected and remind all residents to protect their exposed
pipes, plants and pets during this next week.  We ask any resident that is
aware of someone without heat or shelter to please notify the Office of
Emergency Operations at 278-4268."

 

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness phone line at
504-278-4268 will be answered around the clock to help anyone who needs
assistance during the cold weather.
 
St. Bernard Parish Fire Chief Thomas Stone said people should be careful to
create fire hazards either.
 
"December, January, February are the three months that we have most fires,"
Chief Stone said. "This is due mostly to cold temperatures where we use
heating devices to warm our homes. It is very important for people to be
aware of what is around any type of heating device, and we hope that
everyone stays fire safe."

 

The St. Bernard Parish Fire Department Winter Fire Safety Tips:

If used properly, space heaters can provide temporary relief during a cold
spell, but they should not be considered a permanent solution to a home
heating problem. They're too dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission estimates that every year space heaters are associated with more
than 25,000 residential fires and 300 fatalities.

To minimize the risk of fire while using a space heater, read and follow the
manufacturer's operating instructions. 

Space Heater Safety Tips

*        Buy a space heater that has been certified by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory. 

*        Keep all furniture and combustible items at least three feet away
from any heating device. 

*        Never use space heaters to dry clothing, towels or other
combustibles. 

*        Never refill a fuel-burning space heater while it's on or inside
your house.  

*        Space heaters should not be left on while you are asleep or leave
the room. 

*        When not in use, space heaters should be unplugged. 

*        Do not connect a space heater to an outlet with an extension cord,
and never overload the circuit.  

*        Never use a space heater with a damaged or frayed cord, and never
cover the cord with carpeting or furniture.  

*        Be sure your space heater is in good working condition and that the
heating element is protected by a metal guard. 

*        Keep young children away from space heaters. 

*        Avoid using electric space heaters in a bathroom, and never touch
an electric heater when you are wet. 

*        Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working
before using a space heater. 

*        Check the cord on an electric space heater to determine if it is
very warm or hot. If so, unplug it immediately and try another outlet. If it
continues to be hot, contact an electrician.

Fireplace safety tips

*        Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for
leakage and blockage by creosote or debris. 

*        Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open
until the ashes are cool. This will avert the building up of poisonous
gases, especially while the family is sleeping. 

*        Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or
relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels or
materials near a fire. 

*        Keep a screen or glass enclosure around a fireplace to prevent
sparks or embers from igniting flammable materials. 

Furnace safety tips 

*        Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in a proper
working condition. 

*        Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt
repairs yourself unless you are qualified. 

*        Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the
chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation
or clearance may be required. 

*        Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported; free
of holes, and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a
leak. 

*        Is the chimney solid, with cracks or loose bricks? All unused flue
openings should be sealed with solid masonry. 

*        Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system. 

Other fire safety tips 

*         Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a
metal container outside and well away from the house. 

*         Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not
only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes. 

*         If you use and electric heater, be sure not to overload the
circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry
the amp load.  Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the
appliance electrical cord and is UL approved.

*         Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas
where they may come in contact with water. 

*         Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or
other open flame, (otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the
wall structure inside the wall space). Use hot water or a UL labeled device
such as a hand held dryer for thawing. 

*         If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire
department by keeping the hydrant clear of parked cars and trash so in the
event it is needed, it can be located. 

ALWAYS. 

Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to
check and clean it on a monthly basis. Plan and practice a home escape plan
with your family. For questions or additional information, please contact
the St. Bernard Parish Fire Department at 504-278-4477.

 
Additionally, the St. Bernard Department of Homeland Security and Office of
Emergency Preparedness reminds people that to prevent freezing and possible
bursting of outdoor pipes, pipes should be wrapped, drained or allowed to
drip slowly. Those who have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain their
systems or cover any above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing. Keep
pets indoors as much as possible. If this is not possible, make sure outdoor
pets have warm dry shelter and provide sufficient food and fresh unfrozen
water.

 

For more information about the Growth and Recovery in St. Bernard Parish,
visit our website at www.sbpg.net <http://www.sbpg.net/> .

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