According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries and half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February.  Here are a few heating safety tips: 

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company. 

For more information on heating safety, visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating. 

Need to shut off your water in case of an emergency such as a burst pipe?

• Call the City of Carrollton's 24-hour Response Line at 972-466-3000, and someone will be dispatched to turn off the meter. This may take time if there is a high volume of calls coming in for this service.
  
  
• Most modern homes have a private shut-off valve either next to the house or inside in a utility or garage space. The best way to locate it is to follow a line from the water meter outside to your home.
  
  
• Due to the Winter Weather Emergency, if you are unable to locate or do not have a private shut-off valve, you can turn off your home’s water at the meter near the street or sidewalk.
  
  
  • You will need a special key to open the lid (in some cases) and a key for the meter shut-off valve.  Keys can be purchased at hardware stores, but may be hard to find during this winter weather emergency.
    
    
  • Another alternative is to use a crescent wrench. It will be difficult, but it is possible to use a crescent wrench to turn off the shut-valve.
    
    
  • Turn the valve to the off position by turning clockwise.
    
    
  • If all else fails, check with a neighbor or someone in your neighborhood to see if they have a key.
    
    
  • Note: Burst water pipes on private property are the homeowner’s responsibility, not the City.

Important Notes for Safety and Preparedness

• Find your home's main shut-off valve before an emergency happens.
• Valves can be stiff if not used regularly. Turning slowly helps prevent damage.
• If the valve will not turn, stop and contact a plumber or maintenance professional.

Need to shut off your water in case of an emergency such as a burst pipe?

Apartments and condos differ than houses because individual units rarely have a private main water shut-off valve.

• Look under sinks, behind toilets, or near the water heater for individual fixture shut-off valves. These valves control water flow to a specific sink, toilet, or appliance and can help stop a localized leak.
  
  
• If the leak is larger, contact apartment management or maintenance immediately. Building staff controls the main water shut-off for the unit or entire building.

Important Notes for Safety and Preparedness

• Find your home's main shut-off valve before an emergency happens.
• Valves can be stiff if not used regularly. Turning slowly helps prevent damage.
• If the valve will not turn, stop and contact a plumber or maintenance professional.

If the electricity goes off in the home, a portable generator can be handy but the carbon monoxide it creates can be deadly.

Never use a generator indoors. Its location should be outside in a well-ventilated area at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents. Wind can blow carbon monoxide inside.

Never use a generator in a garage, even if the door is open.

For more tips on how to use a portable generator safely, visit https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/how-to-use-a-generator-safely.html. 

 Build an emergency supply kit for both your home and vehicle. 

Emergency Supply Kit (Home) 

Emergency supply kits vary depending on household and individual needs. Example items:

• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Portable charger(s) 
• NOAA radio
• Portable radio
• Non-perishable food & water
• Prescription meds
• First-aid kit
• Heating fuel (refuel early)
• Emergency heat source (fireplace, stove, heater)
• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke alarm (test monthly)
• Extra pet food

For more details and example items, visit: ready.gov/kit

Don't forget your pet: ready.gov/pets

 Emergency Supply Kit (Car)

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Ice scraper
• Car cell phone charger
• Non-perishable snacks
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• More: ready.gov/car

 It's important to be prepared before and during inclement weather. 

• Disconnect and drain hoses 
• Cover outdoor faucets 
• Turn off sprinklers 
• Cover outdoor plants
• Drip indoor faucets 
• Open cabinets with pipes to let heat in
• Bring your pets indoors
• Check in on elderly neighbors, family, and anyone you know that may be vulnerable in winter conditions
• Tips for Seniors:  ready.gov/seniors
• Tips for Individuals with Disabilities: ready.gov/disability