Winter fire prevention tips Published Nov. 25, 2009 Tinker Fire Prevention TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Following a few simple reminders during the cold weather season will ensure our safety at work and home, so we don't find ourselves left out in the cold. Keeping doors and windows closed prevents fire sprinklers from freezing and reduces energy costs. Several times per year, frozen sprinkler pipes result in thousands of dollars in property damage and the loss of sprinkler protection puts our lives and property at further risk. This is especially critical in our larger mission facilities, like hangars and industrial buildings. Maintaining all exits clear of ice and snow guarantees you can safely leave a building during an emergency and reduces the chance of slips and falls. Watch weather updates and plan ahead. Ensure snow and ice removal tools and products are available, stored away from exit doors and pathways. Limit the use of portable space heaters in the workplace to those rare cases where needed to maintain the health of an employee or supplement a system awaiting repairs, and only under the authorization of the supervisor or manager. Space heaters should never be used in hazardous environments. When authorized, supervisors and employees are responsible for their safe use. Consult AFI 91-501 and the manufacturer's instructions. Portable space heaters are not an efficient source of heat and not recommended as a replacement for standard heating equipment. At home, use extreme caution when using portable heaters. These heaters are one of the leading causes of home fires. Keep children and pets away. Insure circuits are not overloaded and maintain proper clearances from combustibles. Inspect and clean fireplaces at least once a year. Many fires are started by creosote buildup in the flue or chimney and can hide damaged areas in the piping and mortar. Turkey fryers are still popular, but easily misused and dangerous. Deep frying turkey's in the work place is prohibited. If you choose to do it at home, do it outside your house and garage. Ensure the oil is not too full in the container to avoid spillover. Make sure the turkey is dry, not frozen or wet. Never place your cooker in high traffic areas where people may have to exit the house. Keep children away and never leave your cooking unattended.