2024 Safety Messages | Elizabeth Fire Protection District

Think Twice Before Walking On Ice!

#FFFFFF

Think Twice Before Walking on Ice!

Winter is here, and, with it, some hazardous weather conditions! Below are some tips on how to walk safely on snow and ice:

- Wear footwear that is made to walk on snow and ice.
- Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
- Walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
- Keep your hands free and out of your pockets. Wear gloves.
- Use designated walkways.
- Snow can act like a blanket and cover ice so that it is difficult to see. Watch for ice patches under snow and black ice on streets.

Heating Safely in Cold Weather

#FFFFFF

Elizabeth Fire Rescue is no stranger to clamp on heat lamp fires. With cold temperatures coming in this weekend, help keep animals and people safe with proper heating devices. Below are some tips on using heat lamps safely:

- Clean up cobwebs and dust before using.
- Keep wires out of reach of children and small animals, and make sure they aren't a tripping hazard.
- Double secure the lamp.
- Use heat lamp cages.
- Check lamps for frayed wires before using.
- Avoid the use of extension cords.
- Make sure your heat lamp is UL rated.
- Keep the heat lamp 3 feet away from anything that might catch on fire or burn easily.

Remember: always better safe than sorry!

Be In The Know When It Comes To Shoveling Snow!

#FFFFFF

Firefighters shoveling snow with the caption "Be In The Know..."

Firefighters shoveling snow with the caption "...When It Comes To Shoveling Snow!"

#FFFFFF

Be In The Know When It Comes To Shoveling Snow!

Winter is here! Don't forget these shoveling safety tips!

- Warm up before you start.
- Start slow and take it easy.
- Keep your back neutral.
- Lift with your knees.
- Keep your shovel light. Don't try to shovel too much at once.
- Take breaks and stay hydrated.

A Healthy Heart: Nothing BEATS It!

#FFFFFF

A firefighter holding an apple with the caption "EAT Well!"

A firefighter walking on the treadmill with the caption "MOVE Daily!"

Firefighters standing in front of a water cooler, giving a thumbs up, and holding water cups with the caption "HYDRATE Often!"

#FFFFFF

A firefighter sleeping on a reclining chair with the caption "SLEEP Well!"

A firefighter meditating in the back of an ambulance with the caption "STRESS Less!"

Firefighters standing in front of an ambulance making hearts with their hands with the caption "LOVE Your Heart!"

#FFFFFF

A Healthy Heart: Nothing BEATS It!

EAT well!

MOVE daily!

HYDRATE often!

SLEEP well!

STRESS less!

LOVE your heart!

Sometimes It's Good to Push Buttons!

#FFFFFF

Sometimes It's Good to Push Buttons!

More than 50% of home fire deaths are attributed to non-working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work! Test your smoke alarms once a month.

Some smoke alarm safety tips:
- Be sure to test once a month.
- Change batteries yearly or if your test fails.
- Replace the batteries if needed; replace the smoke alarm every 10 years.
- Everyone needs to be able to hear the alarm: install an alarm in all bedrooms and at least one on every level of the house.

An unchecked DRYER can start a FIRE...

#FFFFFF

A dryer vent with lint blockage and the caption "Got Lint?"

Firefighters cleaning dryer lint screen and vent with the caption "Avoid a Fire...Clean Your Dryer!"

#FFFFFF

An unchecked DRYER can start a FIRE...

The leading cause of home dryer fires is a failure to clean them. An estimated 2,900 home dryer fires happen every year in the U.S. See below for some tips on how to keep your home safe from a dryer fire!

- Clean the lint screen after each load.
- Make sure the outdoor vent isn't blocked, and clean your dryer vent yearly.
- Handle chemical stains on clothes with care.
- Remember: keeping your dryer clean can increase its efficiency, as well as keeping you and your loved ones safe!

Work as a TEAM to keep it CLEAN!

#FFFFFF

A firefighter holding a bottle of chemical cleaner with gloved hands and reading the label with the caption "Think Safe."

Two firefighters holding up their hands wearing safety gloves with the caption "Act Safe."

Two firefighters holding chemical cleaner with gloved hands and reading the label with the caption "Be Safe."

#FFFFFF

Work as a TEAM to keep it CLEAN!

Spring has sprung, and with it comes spring cleaning! Remember to Think Safe, Act Safe, Be Safe while you clean, especially when using cleaning chemicals! Below are some safety tips for handling chemicals while you clean:

- Read labels before use.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves.
- Avoid skin contact with any chemicals.
- Never eat, drink, or smoke while using hazardous chemicals.
- Make sure all chemical containers are properly labeled.
- Always wash up after using chemicals.

For our citizens residing within the borders of the Town of Elizabeth, remember that a Town Clean-Up Day, where you can bring household items to dispose of, is currently scheduled for Saturday, May 18th. Please see the provided link for more information and requirements to participate: Town of Elizabeth Clean-Up Day