Each year in America, more than 150 people die from accidental non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning associated with consumer products. These products include faulty, improperly used or incorrectly vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces. Understanding the Risk What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for …

With the recent snowfall and presumably more to come the Greenfield Fire Department would like to remind everyone and encourage you to "Adopt a Hydrant."As we're all aware winter weather in Wisconsin can be very "unpredictable" for those of us who are not on vacation somewhere warm. One of the most problematic conditions is snowfall. At times the amount of snow we receive is minimal. Other times it can be significant. Winter can bring "unpredictable" emergencies that the Greenfield Fire Department must respond to. Medical calls, fire alarms and car accidents alone keep the Greenfield Fire …

Dec. 30: Have extra money from those gift cards? Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home. Carbon monoxide can be produced by ANY natural gas powered appliance if it malfunctions. Carbon monoxide is the silent killer. If interested...there is a combination "Gas/Carbon Monoxide Detector" available wherever they sell smoke, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 42 Green, 8 Red

Dec. 29: With children out of school on Christmas Break and the weather as mild as it has been lately, surely, children will be outside playing. Please be aware and slow down, especially during evening hours when visibility is limited. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 43 Green, 7 Red

Dec. 27: Remove outdoor lights as soon as the season is over. Many light sets are not designed for prolonged exposure to the elements. Using care handling lights when taking them down and repacking them will reduce the chance of damaging a serviceable pair of lights.  The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 43 Green, 7 Red

Dec. 26: DO NOT burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because of the paper being highly flammable. Dangerous sparks and the possibility of flash fires are possible. Gather all the gift boxes and discard them with the garbage and recyclable materials. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 24: Before you cook that holiday dinner, be sure that the oven and stovetop are clean, free of grease, and are in good working order. Keep cooking areas clean and free of grease and other combustibles (potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging), which can easily catch fire. As a special addition to the post... "T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, "Not a candle was lit, as they were all blown out. "The children were nestled all snug in their beds, "With smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed over their heads!" And according to my "Junior Battalion …

Dec. 23: According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range. Handles on stovetops should be turned away from the front, so they won't be accidently tipped or knocked over.  The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 22: Use candles with care. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Burn candles inside a one foot circle of safety, free of anything that can ignite. Use sturdy candleholders that will not tip over. Never leave a candle unattended. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 21: Have a fire extinguisher available in your home and make sure it is fully charged.  Know how to use your fire extinguisher. Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the trigger lever. Sweep the stream side-to-side at the base of the fire. If the fire is out of control, DO NOT attempt to fight the fire. EXIT the home and call 911. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count:  44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 20: Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 6 - Get out as fast as you can and stay out. Never go back inside. Once you're safely outside, have someone go to a neighbor's house and call 911. A startling statistic: 75 percent of the time someone goes BACK into a burning building they don't come out. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count:  44 Green, 6 Red 

Dec. 19: Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 5 - Pay special attention to young children, elderly people and the disabled. Be sure to include them in your plan. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 18: Have a plan in case you have a fire: Step 4 - In the unfortunate event you become trapped, close doors and stuff the door cracks to keep smoke out. Try to call 911 and let them know exactly where you are and signal for help from a window.  The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 13: Space heaters need space. Make sure they are at least three feet away from combustible materials such as draperies, furniture, bedding, clothing, and decorations. Warn children to keep away from them. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 12: When purchasing a space heater, make sure it bears the UL safety label and is equipped wih a cut-off safety feature that turns off should the heater accidentaly tip over or overheat. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 44 Green, 6 Red

Dec. 11: Have your chimney and fireplace inspected by a professional to make sure it's clean and free of obstructions. Be sure the fireplace is covered with a metal screen or glass doors to prevent the spread of sparks and fire. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. Light Count: 45 Green, 5 Red

Dec. 10: Turn off all lights prior to going to bed or leaving the house. The lights could short out and start a fire. Decorated light villages, nativity scenes, or electrical scenery should be treated as decorative lights. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 45 Green, 5 Red

Dec. 9: When using a ladder to hang lights or decorations, remember to follow all labels/markings on ladder. Remember the three L's regarding ladder safety: Locks should be properly engaged. The ladder should only be used on a Level surface. The Last (top) step or rung should not be used unless it is designated for that purpose. The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count: 46 Green, 4 Red

Dec. 8: Use only lights tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters' Laboratories (UL). All lights, new or old, should be inspected for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Lights should only be used for their intended purposes.  The Greenfield Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! Light Count:  46 Green, 4 Red