FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, January 20, 2025

PRESS CONTACT

Matthew Touchette

401-545-0626

PRESS RELEASE


State Fire Marshal Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips 

WARWICK, R.I. – The Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding Rhode Islanders to take important safety precautions to protect lives and prevent fires with below freezing temperatures forecasted.  

 

The following tips can help you stay warm while reducing fire hazards:  

 

  • Keep all flammable items at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, and radiators. 


  • Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an electrical outlet at a time to avoid overloading circuits. 


  • Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month to detect potentially deadly gas leaks. 


  • Use portable generators outdoors, positioned away from windows and as far from your home as possible to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. 


  • Store cooled ashes from wood stoves or fireplaces in a metal container and place the container at least ten feet away from homes or nearby buildings. 


  • Have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional. 

 

“Winter is the leading season for home fires and the significant need for indoor heating equipment next week makes fire safety more important than ever,” said Rhode Island State Fire Marshal Timothy P. McLaughlin. “A few simple precautions, like keeping flammable items away from heat sources and testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, can save lives.”

 

For additional safety information, visit: https://fire-marshal.ri.gov/safety-information-public-programs/fire-safety-injury-prevention

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