Crime & Safety
Fire Safety Tips From The University City Police Department
Close before you doze, officials say, to stop the spread of fire and smoke.
UNIVERSITY CITY, MO — Home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season, University City police say. While holiday decorations and alternative heating sources can increase the risk of a fire, winter fires can be prevented, officials said.
The department posted some fire safety tips to Facebook Wednesday that can decrease your chances of having a fire or increase your chances of survival if you do have one.
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Those tips include:
- Have Your Furnace Checked
- Check Your Chimneys And Vents
- Test Your Smoke Alarms
- Always Cover Your Fireplace With A Screen
- Beware Of Lit Candles
- Beware Of Space Heaters
And keep your doors closed at night. The department posted a video from the Firefighter Safety Research Institute demonstrating the difference that keeping interior doors closed can make in stopping the spread of fire and smoke, giving you more time to escape a burning house. Watch that video up above.
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For more information, contact the University City Police Department at 314-725-2211.
Photo by J. Ryne Danielson/Patch
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