Officials urge winter safety at home and on the road

Simple preparation and tips that may save your life

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

As temperatures plunge, the risk of winter-related hazards rises, and this season is no exception. The West Memphis Fire Department and Emergency Management team are urging residents to take precautions to stay warm and safe. Division Fire Chief Robert Mabe and Emergency Management Director Dewayne Rose emphasized the importance of awareness and preparation during the colder months.

Heating equipment and increased cooking during the winter months contribute to a spike in house _res. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is involved in one in every six reported home _res, with over 900 deaths and $2 billion in property damage annually. “Every year, we see the tragic consequences of preventable _res,” Chief Mabe said. “We want our residents to know how to stay safe while staying warm.”

One crucial step is ensuring your home is equipped with working smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every oor. “Three out of _ve _re deaths happen in homes without functioning smoke alarms,” Mabe explained.

He also advised vigilance when turning on central heating systems after months of inactivity. “Cobwebs and dust might build up in the system, and burning smells could trigger false alarms, but it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Mabe added.

Space heaters, _replaces, and candles are common sources of heat—and potential hazards. Residents should maintain at least three feet of clearance around space heaters and ensure they have an automatic shutoff feature. Fireplaces should be properly inspected and cleaned yearly to avoid chimney _res and carbon

See SAFETY, page A2

A simple and inexpensive car survival kit may be the difference between life and death in freezing temperatures.

Photo by Don Wilburn SAFETY

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monoxide poisoning.

“Make sure your fireplace is clear and open,” said Rose. “Leftover debris or a closed flue can cause carbon monoxide buildup, which can lead to a headache – or worse.”

Candles, while popular for their ambiance, pose a fire risk if unattended or placed too close to flammable materials. The fire department recommends battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.

The holiday season brings additional risks. Christmas trees can ignite quickly if neglected. Chief Mabe advised residents to water their trees daily and keep them away from heat sources and exits. “LED lights are safer than traditional bulbs because they produce less heat, but no setup is completely fireproof. Always be cautious,” he said.

Even if snow isn’t in the forecast this week, temperatures are expected to plunge, creating hazardous driving conditions. Rose encouraged drivers to carry a winter emergency kit, including blankets, hand warmers, flashlights, and first-aid supplies. “It’s about survival,” he said. “People need to be prepared for the unexpected, especially during a power outage or if they get stranded.”

Rose also urged residents without heat or facing power outages to seek help rather than resorting to unsafe heating methods. “We’ve seen people light campfires indoors or leave their ovens on. Survival instincts kick in, but these methods are extremely dangerous,” he explained. “If you’re in need, contact Emergency Management or City Hall, and we’ll help connect you with resources.”

To ensure safety, residents should develop a home fire escape plan, keep exits clear, and store ashes from fireplaces in a metal container at least three feet from the house. For more information or assistance, contact the West Memphis Fire Department or Emergency Management.

“Winter can be harsh,” Rose concluded, “but with a little preparation and mindfulness, we can make it through safely.”

Stay warm, West Memphis – and stay safe.