Fire Prevention Bureau

Winter and Holiday Fire Safety Tips from Monterey Fire Department
Wharf Fire Safety and Wintertime Awareness

It's wildfire season. Are you ready?

Check the Fire Defensible Space Status Map

• Summer Safety
• Halloween Safety - also in Spanish'
• Thanksgiving Cooking Safety PDF
• Winter Fire Safety Awareness Checklist PDF
• Winter holiday safety, including Christmas tree safety
• Home Heating Safety VIDEO
• Dangers of Turkey Fryers VIDEO

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Learn CPR
• Defensible Space – also see ReadyForWildfire.org
• Emergency Preparedness page on monterey.org for home fire safety tips
• Disaster & Emergency Preparedness
• Link to NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
• Recycle Hazardous Waste

• Be sure that your address number is clearly visible to responding fire/rescue workers.
• Have working smoke alarms installed in all sleeping areas and hallways leading to sleeping areas and on every floor of your home.
• Keep blankets, curtains, clothing and other combustibles away from portable heaters, wall heaters and stoves.
• Never smoke in bed. Keep lighters and matches away from children.
• Do not overload electrical outlets. Avoid running electrical cords under carpets, doors and furniture. Only use electrical appliances and cords in good condition.
• Use flammable liquids in well ventilated areas.
• Check chimneys and flue pipes for cracks and proper security. Do not allow combustibles to come in contact with flues.
  Keep your fireplace chimney clean. Always keep fireplace doors or screens closed to prevent sparks from igniting nearby combustibles.
• Keep all L.P. gas and oil tanks, valves, piping and appliances in good condition. Have these systems checked by a qualified technician each year.
• Practice good housekeeping. Avoid accumulating large amounts of combustibles in attics, garages or other rooms.
• Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in safety cans. Use flammable liquids only in well-ventilated spaces. Recycle used oil and filters.

Take a few minutes to walk through your home and use the following checklist to make sure your home is fire-safe!

Alternative Heaters
Use heaters only in well-ventilated rooms.
Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.
Do not use heaters to dry clothing or other items.
Keep heaters at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, and all combustibles.

Kerosene Heaters
Kerosene Heaters are illegal to use in a residence.
Fill only with K-1 Kerosene, and never use gasoline or camp stove fuel.
Refuel kerosene heaters outdoors and when they're cool.

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
Only use seasoned wood, and never use green wood, artificial logs or trash.
Always use a protective screen.
Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys yearly.

Safe Cooking Practices
Don't leave food unattended on the stove.
Keep dangling clothing away from burners.
Keep appliances clean and free of grease and crumbs.
Keep curtains and other combustibles away from the stove.
Make sure the stove is off and small appliances are unplugged before going to bed.

Smoke Detectors
Place smoke detectors in every bedroom and hallways outside bedrooms.
Test the batteries monthly.
Change Batteries when you change your clocks at Daylight Savings Time.
Place smoke detectors at least 4 to 6 inches away from walls and corners.
Keep away from Bathrooms and Kitchens to prevent False Alarms

Electrical Wiring
Replace wiring if it's frayed or cracked.
Do not place wiring under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
Avoid overloading outlets and make sure they stay cool to the touch.
Keep covers over electric plates and avoid exposed wiring.

Electric Space Heaters
Plug heaters directly into the wall socket, and not into extension cords.
Unplug heaters when they're not being used.

Smoking Habits
Never smoke in bed.
Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
Always attend burning cigarettes.

Children and Fire Safety
Keep lighters and matches away from children.
Teach children how to call for emergency assistance (911).
Use safety plugs in electrical outlets.

Home Fire Escape Plan
Have an escape plan and make sure all family members know it.
Practice the plan every six months.
Keep emergency numbers, a whistle and a flashlight near the telephone.
Identify an outside meeting place and never return into a burning building.
Know how to call for emergency assistance (911).

Fire Safety Technology
Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen.
Consider installing residential fire sprinklers.