Public Safety Message
Fire Safety Tips:
Have your furnace and fireplace checked to ensure proper operation. Make any repairs before the cold weather sets in. Also remember to keep stored items at least 3 feet from all heat producing appliances.
If you have a natural Christmas tree make sure you keep it watered. The needles should not fall off when you brush your fingers along the branches.
Use great care in the use of holiday lighting. Do not overload your home's electrical system. Do not add power-strips at the end of a temporary power cord (extention cord) and do not plug a power-strip into another power-strip. Be cautious while securing cords and lights to your home. Make sure weather conditions are condusive to climbing a ladder.
Use caution when using candles; consider replacing your traditional candles with flameless battery powered candles.
Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you change the clocks back and check to see if they are both in working order.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Grand Rapids Fire Department is available to answer any questions you may have to help keep you and your family safe this fall and winter.
Lt. Dan VanderHyde is the liaison to the Ottawa Hills and can be contacted via email at: dvanderh@grcity.us