10A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL OCTOBER 11, 2017
Are you ready?
D ISASTER P REPAREDNESS
Prepping for fi re dangers
Plenty of things heat up when the temperature drops, including the risk for fi re hazards. Fireplaces,
stoves, heating systems, candles, and even electric lights are used more often during the winter than
any other time of year, so it makes sense that the risk of home fi res increases when the mercury drops.
The U.S. Fire Administration says 905 people die in winter home fi res each year. Cooking is the
leading cause of all home fi res and contributes to around $2 billion in property loss each year. Under-
standing potential risks and exercising caution can help homeowners protect themselves, their families
and their homes from fi re.
Cooking
Home heating fi res peak between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., when many people are home prepar-
ing dinner. The following steps, courtesy of the American Red Cross, can improve safety in the kitchen
and reduce the likelihood of a home fi re.
• Never leave cooking food unattended, as it can take just seconds for fi res to ignite.
• Keep anything that can catch fi re away from the stove or other appliances that generate heat.
• Clean regularly to prevent grease buildup.
• Make sure appliances are turned off before leaving the room or going to bed.
Tips for keeping your pet warm this winter may prevent some unscheduled visits to the vet.
Keeping your pet safe and
warm this winter
The arrival of cooler temperatures sparks various changes. Chilly air and precipitation can be danger-
ous, especially to pets that are unaccustomed to extreme changes in temperature.
Pet owners may be well aware of the hazards of warm weather, including the threat of leaving pets
in hot cars. But cold weather also has its share of risks. Heed these tips to keep pets safe and secure.
• Schedule a well visit. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests scheduling a visit
with a veterinarian to check for any medical issues. Cold weather can aggravate symptoms of certain
conditions, such as arthritis. A thorough examination can shed light on potential problems.
• Keep homes humidifi ed. Going in and out of the house and moving from cold air to dry indoor
heat can affect pets’ skin. Itching and fl aking may result, causing pets to scratch at such areas. Maintain
humidity in the home for comfort. The ASPCA also says to reduce bathing to help preserve essential
oils on the skin.
• Protect paws outdoors. Pet paws are sensitive to sand, ice, snow, and chemical ice melts. Massage
petroleum jelly or another protectant onto paw pads, or consider the use of pet booties.
• Keep pets indoors more often. Pets should not remain outdoors for long stretches of time in frigid
temperatures, even if they are accustomed to roaming during other seasons, advises The Humane So-
ciety of the United States.
• Provide options for sleeping. Come the winter, cats and dogs may need new sleep spaces to avoid
drafts and stay warm. Give them other spots they can call their own.
• Consider a sweater or vest. Some pets are more tolerant to the cold than others. However, some
dogs and cats may benefi t from a sweater, vest or coat designed for pets to offer a little more insulation.
• Update identifi cation and contact information. Snow and ice can mask scent cues that help pets fi nd
their way home. Update contact information and make sure pets’ collars are on tightly.
• Keep coolant and antifreeze locked away. Coolant and antifreeze are lethal to dogs and cats and
should be kept out of reach. Clean up any spills from vehicles promptly.
• Provide fresh food and water. Pets may burn more calories trying to stay warm. Be sure the animal
has a little extra food and plenty of water to stay sated and hydrated.
Winter weather requires pets owners to make changes so pets can remain happy and safe.
Heating
The National Fire Protection Association warns that heating is the second leading cause of home
fi res, deaths and injuries in the United States. The NFPA offers these safety guidelines.
• Install heating appliances according to manufacturers’ instructions or have a professional do the
installation.
• Fuel-burning equipment needs to vent to the outside.
• Never use an oven to heat a home.
• Keep anything that can burn away from heating equipment, including portable space heaters.
• Clean and inspect heating appliances regularly.
• Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Electric
The National Safety Council estimates that between 600 and 1,000 people die each year from elec-
trocution. Electricity also can contribute to home fi res. The Energy Education Council offers these
safety suggestions.
• Never force plugs into outlets.
• Check that cords are not frayed or cracked. Do not run cords under carpets or place them in
high-traffi c areas.
• Use extension cords only on a temporary basis.
• Make sure light bulbs are the proper wattage for fi xtures.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters in kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and elsewhere, making
sure to test them regularly.
• Check periodically for loose wall receptacles and loose wires. Listen for popping or sizzling sounds
behind walls.
Home fi res are no joke and can be prevented with simple safety checks.
Keep critters out this fall
Human beings are not the only creatures looking for warm and cozy spots to ride out autumn and
winter. Very often wild animals see homes as the perfect spots to nest and survive the cold. Fall is a
great time to inspect your home top to bottom and make sure there are no points of entry for unwanted
guests. The Humane Society notes that deteriorated trim and fascia boards can make great entry points
for animals like squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and possums. Other animals may bed down under porches
or decks or even inside chimneys. Seal any holes or repair points
that are penetrable by cold animals. Just be sure to inspect the home
prior to sealing or capping any potential entry points to be certain
there aren’t any animals already living inside. Otherwise you can
trap unwanted animals in your home. Test possible entry points by
sealing them loosely with a paper towel or insulation and see if the
material gets pushed out.
Come with us to
Discover China!
Meet the
DJ/Program Host
Fall Heating
Tune-Up
Only
$99*
We’ll make sure your system is running effectively and effi ciently. Call for
details and an appointment today, and beat the winter rush!
Complete Heating & Cooling System Service
Reasonable Rates • All Work Guaranteed
Th e trip will depart April 3, 2018
and return April 11, 2018
Registration Deadline is
December 15, 2017
Call the chamber
for details
Phone: 541-942-2411
ROB WARD
Rob loves the music he is playing! Rob invites you to tune in on Wednesdays,
call-in your requests and enjoy some great Rock ‘n Roll, Soul and Rhythm &
Blues tunes. Rob was born in San Francisco in 1954 and grew up listening to
KYA 1260 and KEWB 910, then later to KFRC 610. Rob formed his fi rst garage
band in 1966 as a 12- year-old, and continued with the same bandmates until
early 1969. If it was played on top 40 radio, Rob heard it. His love for 50s and
60s music continues today and he loves keeping the music of the 50s and 60s
alive, especially songs that should have been heard, but weren’t. When he’s not
spinning records at KNND, Rob ithe co-owner of Grill & Chill, “the little blue
box that rocks on the corner of 9th and Whiteaker”. He invites you to stop by
and say hi.
* Limited-time offer. Restrictions apply. Call for details.
321 Main Street
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Lobby Phone: 541.942.2468
Studio Line: 541.942.5548
Online requests: request@knnd.com
Make sure all the pieces are in place to render you and your family prepared in the event of a natural disaster.
• Listen to radio or television newscasts for the latest weather information, and follow all evacuation directions and suggestions.
• Keep a stock of non-perishable food items as well as bottled water on hand inside your home.
• Keep a 72 Hour Kit on hand inside your home that is easy to get to in the event of a disaster.
For more information and tips on disaster response and preparedness, contact your local emergency services center.
South Lane Fire & Rescue • 233 Harrison Ave, Cottage Grove 541-942-4493 • 55 South 1st Street, Creswell 541-895-2506
Twitter: @southlanefi re
Facebook: southlanecountyfi reandrescue