Wood and pellet stove safety
  • As temperatures drop outside, Mesa
    County residents begin firing up wood and pellet stoves inside. Take the time
    to ensure your wood or pellet stove isn’t a major fire hazard for your family’s
    safety.
  • Have a qualified professional install
    stoves, chimney connectors and chimneys.
  • Burn only dry, seasoned wood or pellets appropriate for your stove.
  • Have your chimney and stove inspected
    and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep before heating season.
  • Clean the inside of your stove
    periodically using a wire brush.
  • Allow ashes to cool before disposing
    of them. Place ashes in a covered metal container at least 10 feet away from
    the home and other buildings.
  • Stoves need space. Keep anything that
    can burn at least 3 feet away from
    the stove. Don’t forget to clear the area of holiday decorations.
  • Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms outside each sleeping area
    and on every level of the home.
  • Proper maintenance of wood and pellet stoves
    also helps reduce smoke emissions.
  • If you have a wood or pellet stove,
    check to see if it has an EPA sticker. Those without stickers must follow wood stove
    burn restrictions throughout the winter depending on air quality.
  • Visit health.mesacounty.us for the
    latest air quality conditions.
halloween safety
  • Halloween is a holiday favorite to
    many kids, but it’s important they know how to stay safe when trick-or-treating.
  • Remind your kids to:
  • Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in
    groups or with a trusted adult.
  • Hold a flashlight while
    trick-or-treating to help you see and to help others to see you.
  • Always walk, don’t run from house to house.
  • Look both ways before crossing the
    street and use crosswalks whenever possible.
  • Only walk on sidewalks whenever
    possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
  • Wear reflective clothing.
  • Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and
    shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
  • Never
    enter a home unless you are with a trusted adult and never accept rides from strangers.
  • Parents should examine all treats for
    choking hazards and tampering. Limit the amount of treats kids eat.
Check out our Healthy Mesa County Pinterest board for more health and safety tips!