As the area braces for extremely cold temperatures this weekend, Princeton-Caldwell County Fire Chief Brent Francis is reminding residents of some safety tips for water pipes and the use of heat sources to prevent fires.
Chief Francis advises residents to take necessary precautions and measures to keep water pipes from freezing.
You should also take precautions if you have a sprinkler system or outdoor facet.
You also need to use caution when using a generator if the power goes out due to snow and ice.
click to download audioCaution should also be used with Coleman stoves that are meant to be used outdoors where there is a lot of air.
click to download audioChief Francis also stressed that you should not refuel your generator with it running.
click to download audioHe said they also had a lot of issues in 2009 with fires being started when people were using kerosene heaters during power outages.
In addition, Chief Francis says if you are running a generator you need to make sure you turn off the main breaker in the home.
click to download audioHe also advises residents against relying on gas or electric stoves as a source of heat during cold weather. He says these appliances are not intended for continuous use or as heaters. He stresses the potential hazards of gas stoves emitting carbon monoxide, which can pose a significant danger if left on continuously for heating purposes.
For more information on extreme cold weather safety, click here.
