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Page 7 Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce Many of us have or know someone who has been impacted by fires in the home or workplace. Many of these fires could have been prevented by some basic fire preven- tion practices, sometimes it is easy to over look these basic principles and not address them we first notice them, let's change that. According to the National Protection Association (NFPA) the leading causes of fires are related to Cooking, Heating, Elec- trical, Smoking and Candles. Here are some tips from NFPA: "Cook with Caution" • If you are sleepy or have consumed alco- hol don't use the stove or stovetop. • Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, remain in the home and use a timer • Keep anything that can catch fire — away from your stovetop. "Be Warm and Safe This Winter!" • Keep anything that can burn at least three -feet away from the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. • Never use your oven or stove to heat your home. • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected • Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen. Ashes should be cool when placed in a metal container and keep it a safe dis- tance away from the building • Test smoke alarms at least once a month. "Tips for Electrical Safety" • Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle out- let at a time. • Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, micro- wave ovens, etc.) should be plugged direct- ly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used. • Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. "Smoking Safety" • Smoke outside. • Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials out of the reach of children • Use a deep, sturdy ashtray. • Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscap- ing, peat moss, dried grasses, or leaves. • Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out • Do not use Medical oxygen when smok- ing is present. "Candle with Care" • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of can- dles in the bedroom and areas where peo- ple may fall asleep. • Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn. • Use sturdy candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surfaces. • Keep hair and loose clothing away from the flame. • Put the candle out before it gets too close to the holder or container. • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home. • Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage instead of candles. NFPA safety tip sheets reviewed and sum- marized by Kenny Cline, Marietta College Fire Prevention Tips Upcoming MOVSC Meetings Wednesday, March 17th 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Topic: "Driving Safety" Featured Speaker: Ohio State Highway Patrol This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/ register/ WN_I8KWJMXgQE6sk6avCXDznQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing infor- mation about joining the webinar. You can also watch the meeting on the MOVSC Facebook page if you miss it!