Winter has arrived! Here are some cold-weather resources and safety tips.
Park your vehicles off street to make way for snow plows.
Winter storm safety tips from Ameren Missouri:
https://www.ameren.com/company/safety/extreme-weather-safety/winter-storm?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter_mo&utm_campaign=amrmo_safety_storms&utm_content=_8320945505
Missouri American Water reminds customers to prepare homes for below freezing temperatures:
https://www.amwater.com/press-room/press-releases/missouri/missouri-american-water-reminds-customers-to-prepare-homes-for-below-freezing-temperatures
MSD Project Clear explains how a little salt goes a long way:
https://msdprojectclear.org/customers/problems-tips/healthy-home-tips/using-salt-effectively/
If you or someone you know needs assistance finding a warming shelter, call the United Way at 2-1-1.
In case of emergency, as always, please call 911.
Brentwood firefighters share these reminders about fireplace safety:
- Only burn dry, seasoned firewood.
- Only burn hardwoods such as oak, maple, ash and birch. These woods burn cleaner and hotter and contain less sap, thus creating less creosote.
- Any time there is smoke indoors from your fireplace, check to ensure the flue is open. If the flue is open, you may have an obstruction in the flue pipe, which requires immediate attention.
- To improve your fireplace’s safety and efficiency, consider installing heat-proof glass doors to protect against heat loss and a fan or blower to direct heat into the room. The doors can also prevent embers from popping out of the firebox and into the living space. At a minimum, use a fireplace screen.
- Remove flammable rugs, blankets and home décor from in front of the firebox.
- Do not burn plastics, tissue or wrapping paper in your fireplace.
- Clean the interior of your fireplace regularly. Sweep up ashes and place them in a metal container until they are completely cooled. Do not place the ashes in the trash can until you are sure they have had sufficient time to burn out completely. Many house fires are caused due to hot ashes being placed in trash bins too soon.
- If you notice loud cracking and/or popping noise, dense smoke, intense hot smells or explosive burning, you may have a flue fire. In this event, exit your home and call 911 immediately.