Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season
Facts and Regulations About Wood Outdoor Burning in Allegheny County
est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season
Here are some tips from the National Safety Council
Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January , when families gather , parties are scheduled and travel spikes . Take some basic precautions to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season .
• “ Angel hair ,” made from spun glass , can irritate your eyes and skin ; always wear gloves or substitute non-flammable cotton
• Spraying artificial snow can irritate your lungs if inhaled ; follow directions carefully
• Decorate the tree with your kids in mind ; move ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks toward the top
• Always use the proper step ladder ; don ’ t stand on chairs or other furniture
• Lights are among the best parts of holiday decorating ; make sure there are no exposed or frayed wires , loose connections or broken sockets
• Plants can spruce up your holiday decorating , but keep those that may be poisonous ( including some Poinsettias ) out of reach of children or pets ; the National Poison Control Center can be reached at ( 800 ) 222-1222
Watch Out for those Fire-starters
Candles and Fireplaces : Thousands of deaths are caused by fires , burns and other fire-related injuries every year , and 12 % of home candle fires occur in December , the National Fire Protection Association reports . Increased use of candles and fireplaces , combined with an increase in the amount of combustible , seasonal decorations present in many homes means more risk for fire
• Never leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room with a lit candle
• Keep candles out of reach of children
• Make sure candles are on stable surfaces
• Don ’ t burn candles near trees , curtains or any other flammable items
• Don ’ t burn trees , wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
• Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
40 West Jefferson Hills
Facts and Regulations About Wood Outdoor Burning in Allegheny County
Wood burning is regulated in Allegheny County due to the numerous pollutants , including air toxics , found in wood smoke . Wood smoke contains dozens of air toxics — contaminants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects such as aggravating lung disease , asthma , acute bronchitis and increasing the susceptibility to respiratory infections . Wood stoves , fireplaces and outdoor fire pits are all sources of air pollution that can negatively impact a neighbor ’ s or family member ’ s health .
Since these pollutants in wood smoke do not remain within property lines and also have a negative impact on our region ’ s air quality , the ACHD encourages everyone to be considerate of their neighbors . Nuisance fires may be stopped by ACHD , and the owner of a problematic fire may be fined . Please read the specific regulations about open burning and health effects on our Borough web site , Jeffersonhillsboro . org under Information for Residents . This information can also be obtained on www . achd . net / air / burning and www . burnfactsallegheny . info .
Sign up to receive NIXLE alerts
Below is an example of a NIXLE alert that went out in November from the Jefferson Hills Police Chief , Gene Roach . These alerts are sent to apprise residents of emergency information . It ’ s simple to sign up to get these emergency messages on your phone or in your email . https :// local . nixle . com / signup / widget / i / 449 /. The signup info . is also on the Borough website under Police Department . jeffersonhillsboro . org . Sign up for this very valuable service to keep abreast of important information from our Borough police .
JEFFERSON HILLS PD : AVOID the Cochrans Mill Rd . @ W . Bruceton Rd . intersection for the next 8hrs due to large water break ; both roads closed to thru traffic .