Dear Friends,
Last week, Governor Shapiro shared a reminder for us to keep our families safe and prepared for emergencies. This was a timely reminder as winter weather approaches and some risks are increased during the colder months, including weather and fire related emergencies. As we switch gears during the holidays and things get a little more hectic, Shapiro’s suggestions are good reminders for all of us to reevaluate our safety plans, emergency equipment and alarms.
I was also recently speaking to a friend of mine who is a pediatric emergency room doctor, and she said that she has experienced a significant increase in pediatric burn victims, caused not only by heaters and open fires but also by an increase in youth attempting some online challenges with rubbing alcohol and open flames. These dangers can lead to children catching themselves on fire. So, I’ll take a moment to remind everyone to talk to the kids in your lives about fire safety – stop, drop and roll – and to remind them to not accept such challenges from friends!
While I won’t go as far as PEMA Director Randy Padfield in recommending we add “preparedness gifts like flashlights, weather radios, and first aid kits” to our holiday wish lists, I’ll still share the list that Director Padfield recommends to help keep our families and friends ready for emergencies over the holidays and winter months to come.
Some basic kit supplies include:
- Water (one gallon a day per person, at least a three-day supply)
- Nonperishable food (enough for several days)
- First-aid kit
- Extra phone charger
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Basic tools
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio
- Manual can opener
- Extra clothes/shoes
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Hygiene items
- Whistle
- Paper maps
- Trash bags
- Duct tape
In addition, for a car kit consider the following items:
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper/snow brush
- Shovel
- Kitty litter/sand for traction
Having lived in Wisconsin, I would add that my winter emergency car kit includes hand heaters, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a phone charger, gloves, a hat, flares, a space blanket, and making sure my car is winterized! I would also suggest to anyone who is medication dependent, that they keep medication or at least prescription information in their emergency kit.
Shapiro also shared the ReadyPA website, where you can find more emergency preparedness lists, including for pet preparedness, and how to sign up for emergency alerts.
State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook also shared that “fire safety is paramount during the holiday season. With live Christmas trees in homes, cooking, candles, fireplaces, and heaters kicking into high gear, the risk for home fires increases.”
His emergency preparedness list includes:
- Have a professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents each year.
- Plug space heaters directly into an outlet; never use an extension cord.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them at least once per month.
- Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
- Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container at least 10 feet from your home/nearby buildings.
- Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage of the light fixture.
He also suggested the following tips for safety holiday decorations:
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
- Keep trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, and heat vents.
- Get rid of your Christmas tree after the holiday or when it's dry.
- Read string light instructions and throw away any strands that are worn or damaged.
He also suggested families be ready for a home fire by making a basic plan to evacuate to a designated meeting place outside, and that they then communicate and practice the plan with your whole family.
I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions for keeping safe and wish everyone celebrating safe, joyous and fun filled holidays!