YMEU Building
Past Safety Tips

 

 

YMEU NOVEMBER SAFETY TIPS

 

November is the month that kicks off the holiday season.  There are quite a few safety tips that have to do with cooking and cooler weather.  We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!

 

Safety Tips for Turkey Fryers

  • Keep fryer in full view while the burner is on
  • Place fryer in an open area away from all walls, fences, or other structures
  • Never use in, on or under a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or any structure that can catch fire
  • Raise and lower food slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns
  • Cover bare skin when adding and removing food
  • Check oil temperatures frequently
  • If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply off
  • If fire occurs, immediately call 911.  DO NOT attempt to extinguish fire with water

 

For safest operation

  • Make sure there is at least 2 feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner
  • Place the liquid propane gas tank and fryer so that any wind blows the heat of the fryer away from the gas tank
  • Center the pot over the burner on the cooker
  • Completely thaw and dry turkey before cooking (partially frozen or wet turkeys can produce excessive hot oil splatter when added to the oil

 

YMEU suggest that all residents check their smoke detectors frequently and change batteries as needed.
YMEU also suggest that all residents place carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

         Space Heater Tips

  • Place the heater on a level, hard and non-flammable surface.  Keep the heater at least 3 feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials.
  • Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
  • To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person.  Turn the space heater off if you leave the area.
  • Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 
  • Make sure your heater is rated correctly for your home.  An oversized heater could deplete the available oxygen, causing excess carbon monoxide to be produced.  Keep a window in the room open at least one inch and keep doors open to the rest of the house to ensure proper ventilation.
  • Have gas and kerosene space heaters inspected annually to ensure proper operation.
  • Do not use kitchen range or oven to heat your house because it could overheat and generate excessive carbon monoxide.
  • Do not use unvented gas space heaters where prohibited by local codes.
  • Have a smoke alarm with fresh batteries on each level of the house, inside every bedroom, and outside the bedrooms in each sleeping area.  In addition have a carbon monoxide alarm outside of the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area.

 

 

Fireplace safety tips

  • Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and blockage by creosote or debris.
  • Open fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool.  Never close the damper or go to bed if the ashes are still warm.  An open damper will prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside of the home.
  • Never use charcoal in a fireplace because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Keep screen or glass enclosure around a fireplace to prevent sparks or embers from igniting flammable materials.

Many homeowners are injured while cleaning their gutters and checking their roofs.

SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT LADDER INJURIES

  • Make sure the weight your ladder is supporting does not exceed its maximum load rating (user plus materials).  There should only be one person on the ladder at one time.
  • Use a ladder that is the proper length for the job.  Proper length is a minimum of 3 feet extending over the roofline or working surface.  The 3 top rungs of a straight, single extension ladder should not be stood on.
  • Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at a 75-degree angle.
  • All metal ladders should have slip resistant feet.
  • Metal ladders will conduct electricity.  Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder in the vicinity of power lines or electrical equipment. 
  • Be sure all locks on extension ladders are properly engaged.
  • The ground under the ladder should be firm and level.  A good practice is to have a helper hold the bottom of the ladder.
  • Do not place the ladder in front of a door that is not locked, blocked or guarded.
  • Keep your body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times.  Do not lean too far to the side while working.
  • Do not use a ladder for any purpose other than that for which it is intended.
  • Never leave a raised ladder unattended.