HomeMy WebLinkAboutWinter Safety Tips 2017
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Lauren Siebenaler, Communications Assistant
lsiebenaler@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Fire-Rescue & Inspections Department Wants Residents to
Stay Safe this Holiday Season
Edina, Minn., Dec. 1, 2017 – According to the National Fire Prevention Association, from 2011 to
2015, more than one-third of home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room or
den, and the top three days for home candle fires were Christmas, New Year’s Day and New Year’s
Eve.
Edina Fire Marshal Rick Hammerschmidt wants all residents to stay safe this holiday season, and
offers these tips:
• Make sure exit paths and doors are clear of holiday decoctions and clutter.
• Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended and use a timer when baking; check on
items in the oven frequently.
• Use flameless candles when decorating.
• Have heating systems, fireplaces and chimneys professionally cleaned.
• Clear the area around space heaters and avoid extension cords and power strips for these
appliances.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and change the batteries
annually.
• Be sure of ice thickness before stepping or driving on ponds or lakes (4 inches for people, 5
inches for snowmobile, 8-12 inches for a car and 12-14 inches for a medium-sized truck).
• Ensure vehicles are in great working condition. Check tire pressure, keep gas tanks full and
keep an emergency kit in the vehicle full of warm clothes, blankets, food, water, batteries and
flares.
For more information, contact Hammerschmidt at 952-826-0337.
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City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424