Cold Weather Safety Tips From Salem Fire

(Salem) - Firefighters want to remind the capitol city community that there are few things you can do to make you and your family safe during these next few days of extreme cold.

When the weather gets colder, the use of portable space heaters increases. Be careful using portable space heaters. Make sure that you have at least 3-feet of clearance to anything combustible, such as curtains or furniture.

Make sure that your portable heat source is approved for indoor use, to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

If you happen to lose power due to the weather be very careful using candles as an alternative light source. It is much safer to use flashlight and/or battery operated lanterns.

Make sure you have plenty of food and water on hand, as well as extra batteries in case of a power outage.

If you do venture outside be very careful to avoid slipping and sliding. Due to the colder weather the number of emergency medical responses to falls increase.

Make sure water pipes are well insulated, to avoid rupture.