SFD’s Ember offers winter safety tips

Posted 12-11-24.

It appears that winter has finally arrived here in East Tennessee, and the holiday season is right around the corner. The Sevierville Fire Department’s Ember would like to share some winter safety tips to help you and your family (including your pets!) stay safe this year. Many of us are getting space heaters and decorations out of storage, lighting candles, and warming our cars before work. You can have a cozy, festive holiday this year and protect your loved ones by following these simple safety tips.

•Don’t warm-up your car inside an enclosed garage.
•Plug space heaters directly into an outlet; don’t use an extension cord.
•When purchasing devices with lithium-ion batteries, be sure they are UL tested. This includes most rechargeable electronics as well as e-bikes and scooters.
•Keep candles away from all flammable items.
•Water your Christmas tree daily and distance it from heating sources.
•Check holiday lights for loose connections, broken bulbs, and frayed wires.
•Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially if you have gas heat and appliances.