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OPEN BURNING
With the recent
storms that Southwest Missouri has experienced, many people may
have debris, i.e., branches, trees, etc., scattered around their
property. This debris is not only unsightly but also can pose a
danger. The natural cover that has been damaged by these storms
can promote the ignition and/or spread of a fire. It is
recommended that homeowners maintain a thirty foot (30’) area
around the exterior of the home as a clean and debris-free zone.
There are a number
of ways to either utilize this debris or completely eliminate
it. The natural debris can be turned into compost and used for
gardening, landscaping, etc. Yard waste may also be burned in
order to rid your yard of debris.
For further
information on removal and use of this debris download our
Open Burning Brochure.
If you have any
questions in regards to open burning, please feel free to call
me at (417) 581-4436.
Sincerely,
Darren White
Technical Services Chief |
SMOKE DETECTORS
With the recent time change, it is our recommendation to check
your smoke detectors and change the batteries. We use the
phrase “CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS, CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES’. The
following paragraphs are a few more tips you may use when
maintaining and installing your smoke detectors.
Because more people die from the poisonous smoke and gases from
a fire than die from flames, the Ozark Fire Protection District
recommends that you have smoke alarms in your home or apartment
to provide early warning in the event of a fire. Working smoke
alarms double your chances of survival and provide inexpensive
protection for you and your family. Since most fatal home fires
happen at night when you are asleep and are least able to
respond quickly, early warning of a fire is critical.
Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of the house as
well as in each bedroom and in hallways close to bedrooms. They
should be mounted in the ceiling or on the walls according to
the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid putting smoke alarms near
return air ducts or air vents to prevent false alarms.
To be effective, smoke alarms must work, so test your smoke
alarms monthly. Keep smoke alarms free of dust, replace the
battery at least once a year, and keep fresh batteries on hand.
Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after five to ten
years of service, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
These are just a few tips to keep you and your family safe. If
you have any further questions regarding installation and
maintenance of your smoke detectors, please feel free to contact
the Ozark Fire Protection District at (417) 581-4436. We can
even arrange a visit to your home for a free courtesy inspection
or survey to increase your ability to prevent fire or other
emergencies from happening.
Remember, if you suspect a fire or other emergency; please call
9-1-1 as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your interest in making our community safer.
Sincerely,
Dennis Reynolds
Operations Chief |
