Be #FDNYSmart This Winter

Hi friends!

Today is one of our favorite days of the year: the first day of Winter! We love to get outside all winter long and play in the snow. And, we love to curl up inside and get cozy and warm. While Winter is one of our favorite times of the year, we also know it can be a dangerous time. We want to make sure you and your family are being #FDNYSmart all season long.

Here are a few things to keep in mind this winter:

• More than one third of home fires occur during the months of December, January and February.
• Most fires and injuries are preventable, you just have to take the proper precautions to keep you and your family safe this winter season.

Also, electric space heaters can be very dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

• Make sure your parents get electric space heaters that automatically shut off.
• Don’t let them use extension cords with space heaters.
• It’s probably best if you and your pets stay away from the space heaters in your home.
• Tell your parents to keep space heaters away from places where they might come in contact with water, like in the bathroom.
• Make sure your parents always remember to turn off and unplug space heaters when everyone leaves the room.

There are also important things to remember when it comes to Christmas tree safety!

• If you and your family decide to use an artificial tree, choose one that’s fire retardant.
• If you’re using a real tree, make sure you get the very freshest tree and buy it early.
• Make sure the tree is in a stand that holds at least a half gallon of water and check the water level daily!
• Don’t use any kind of flame near the tree.
• And make sure a grown up throws the tree away right after the holiday.

When it comes time to feast this holiday season, remember that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home injuries.

• Make sure a grown up is always near the stove when there’s food cooking.
• You and your brothers and sisters should keep a safe distance from the stove, try to stay at least three feet away so you don’t get burned or splashed with hot oil.

We have a very special story available now that’s helping us to spread the word about fire safety this holiday season. It’s called “Hot Dog and Siren Save Christmas,” and it can be yours with a $10 donation to the FDNY Foundation, which helps support fire and life safety education in New York City all year long!

Happy first day of Winter, everyone and stay safe!

Hot Dog & Siren