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.