CLINTON —
The Clinton Fire Department wants people to know that this is the season for more fire calls.
Fire Chief Mike Brown and Battalion Chief Jeff Chapman said this year has actually seen a low number of fires. They said they are still busy with EMS calls, but have had very few fires. Chapman reported that there have only been 12 structure fires this year. However, eight of the 12 fires have happened since Sept. 1.
Brown credits this low number to a stronger emphasis on prevention, as well as the department’s continuing smoke detector program. People can still call the station if they need smoke detectors.
“Winter generates a lot more fires,” Brown said.
Brown and Chapman emphasized some key risk factors and behaviors that increase the chance of fire. One of the main ones is associated with holiday decorating. Brown said that candles can be a great decoration if used properly. However, it is a huge problem in the country.
“You’ve got a flame burning, an open flame,” Brown said. He warns people to make sure their candles are not left unattended, are in appropriate containers and are placed away from combustible materials.
Chapman said one of the more dangerous parts of the holiday season is decorations and lighting. Fresh-cut trees should be properly watered. Chapman also warned people not to put too many lights up this year. He recommended that people do not put up more than a total of three strands of lights. Brown and Chapman also warned people not to overload extension cords and to use extension cords that can handle the amount of current being used.
“If the cord’s hot, you shouldn’t be using it,” Brown said.
Chapman recommended that people use power strips. That way, if there is a problem, it will affect the strip and not the outlet. He also cautioned people not to leave lights unattended.
“If you’re not there, you’re going to bed, shut them off,” Chapman said.
Another item that Brown discourages the use of is portable space heaters. He said they are often put too close to combustibles, such as blankets, and can be pretty dangerous. If a person is going to use one, it should be at least three feet from any combustibles. Brown said they should not be left unattended or where children can mess with them.
Another concern during the winter is carbon monoxide. Alliant Energy recently issued a press release on the threat of carbon monoxide. In it, it states that Alliant Energy responded to two carbon monoxide incidents in Iowa on Monday night, both involving a malfunctioning furnace. Brown encouraged people to have a professional check their furnaces this time of year.
“Because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic those of the flu, victims often don’t realize the cause of their illness,” Richard Sublett, senior manager compliance and operational performance, said in a press release. “Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, disorientation, fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty waking are all early indicators of possible carbon monoxide poisoning.”
If a person suspects CO poisoning they need to get fresh air immediately and call for help before helping others. Chapman said that carbon monoxide detectors are important.
“It’s an odorless, tasteless gas that can potentially take your life very quickly,” Chapman said.
Clinton
Related Photos
-
Clinton firefighters tend to a fire at 2119 Roosevelt St. in November, one of eight fires in Clinton since September. No one was harmed in the second-floor fire. Natalie Conrad/Clinton Herald
Discussion
December 17, 2012
‘Tis the season for fires
- Clinton
-
- New local bargaining unit formed CLINTON -- A new collective bargaining unit has formed to represent Clinton County deputies, correctional officers and secretaries. "We just did not have strong backing from the former union," said Deputy Jeff Ernst, president of the Clinton County S
-
Man charged after knife incident
CLINTON -- A bar fight on Saturday escalated with one man returning with a knife. Ricardo Hernandez, 48, 441 Sixth Ave. South, apartment five, is charged with going armed with intent, carrying weapons and public intoxication. Clinton police responde
-
Skin cancer screening is set for Saturday
CLINTON — A free skin cancer screening will be held this weekend in Clinton.
-
Waterlogged: Covering the stadium bills recommended
CLINTON — The city of Clinton is considering covering more than $10,000 in bills relating to water damage at Ashford University Field.
-
City looks at upping waste service fees
CLINTON -- Clinton residents could soon pay $1.39 more for their solid waste services monthly as city officials find ways to shore up the solid waste fund.
- Some not wild about hogs CLINTON -- No decision has been made on a proposal for a hog confinement operation in rural Clinton County. This facility would be located approximately 7 miles southeast of Elwood and 5 to 6 miles northwest of Welton. The Clinton County Board of Sup
-
Prospect Avenue questions to be answered
CLINTON — The city of Clinton will host a public meeting regarding Prospect Avenue construction Wednesday at Clinton City Hall. The public information meeting will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in City Council chambers at Clinton City Hall. The
- Union Pacific routes money back into community CLINTON -- Five Clinton-area non-profit organizations were awarded grants from the Union Pacific Foundation on Monday. Big Brother Big Sisters, the Friends of the Clinton Public Library, Mercy Medical Center, the River City Municipal Band and the Un
-
Captain, crew thankful for Clinton's hospitality
CLINTON -- After a fun-filled weekend, the Nina and Pinta have packed up and shipped out to their next location on the Mississippi River. Clinton residents welcomed the ships with warm hospitality Thursday and made the crew feel right at home through
- Head out on the highway CLINTON -- Around 400 Harley riders will cruise into Clinton this weekend as the city hosts the Harley Owners Group 2013 state rally. From Thursday through Saturday, Clinton will be filled with bikers from across the state who will take part in var
- More Clinton Headlines
