The City of Eau Claire

Candle Safety Reminder

Linda Desforge — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:32:38 +0000

We use candles every day, but please use them safely, away from anything combustible and in some type of metal, glass or ceramic container. Blow them out when you leave the room and never let children play with them. Keep matches and lighters hidden from children.

Adopt A Hydrant

Linda Desforge — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:22:46 +0000

As we get more snow, the Fire Department may need to access fire hydrants in a hurry. If you have a fire hydrant along your boulevard or on your property, please shovel around it with a path to the street so hoses can be easily connected to the hydrant. Every second counts in an emergency!

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Linda Desforge — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This time of year there is an increase in problems with carbon monoxide because of furnaces. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all homes that have any type of fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. It is a good idea to get a carbon monoxide detector that plugs into the wall and has a battery backup. Make sure the gas meter on your house is free of snow, too! For more information on carbon monoxide requirements, check out the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services link by clicking here.

Winter Safety Recommendations

Linda Desforge — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:13:07 +0000

During this winter season, the City of Eau Claire Building Inspections Division would like to make some safety recommendations to all homeowners:

Check to make sure the snow has not covered the air intake or the exhaust for your furnace. This could cause the furnace to not run properly and could cause the exhaust fumes to come back into the house, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
This time of year is when there is an increase in problems with carbon monoxide because of furnaces. It is a good idea to get a carbon monoxide detector that plugs into the wall and also has a battery backup. 3.) Make sure the gas meter on your house is free of snow.
When there is this much snow concentrated on an area it gets very heavy. It is a good idea to make sure decks get shoveled off so they don’t fail under the weight of the snow. Since the snow is so heavy it would be good Idea to help neighbors with this, or to hire someone to take care of it.
Because there is so much snow, in the spring when it begins to melt it could cause water problems in basements. If you have a sump pump in your basement, please be sure it is functioning properly to help keep the water out. Also, please participate in the Fire Department’s “Adopt a Fire Hydrant Program” by making sure any fire hydrants in your area are uncovered.

If there are any questions please contact City Building Inspections staff at (715) 839-4947.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Linda Desforge — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:00:05 +0000

Winter in Wisconsin brings lot of fun outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and sledding, but it also brings frigid cold temperatures. The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is urging people to take precautions against extreme cold.

Winter Cold Concerns:

Hypothermia

Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include:

Shivering
Exhaustion
Confusion
Fumbling hands
Memory loss
Slurred speech
Drowsiness

Infants who are suffering from hypothermia may appear to have very low energy and bright red, cold skin

Frostbite

To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, people should be sure to:

Dress warmly in waterproof clothing
Go indoors when you begin to feel cold
Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap body heat
Fasten buttons or zippers and tighten drawstrings securely
Don't forget gloves, mittens, and a hat that covers the ears
Be aware of the effects of wind chill. As the speed of wind increases, it can carry heat away from the body faster. In high wind conditions, cold weather-related health problems are much more likely. Be sure the outer layer of clothing is tightly woven to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind.