Turn Up the Heat this Valentine’s Day- Without Getting Burned

Written by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

If you watched the T.V. show “Friends,” then you may remember “The One with the Candy Hearts,” in which Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe start a boyfriend bonfire in their apartment on Valentine’s Day. The result of their bitter cleansing ritual is a call to the New York Fire Department, where they are lectured on fire safety by three handsome, albeit not amused, firemen.



Some Valentine’s Day disasters, like a bad date, are unavoidable; however, some can be avoided with the proper preventative measures. Take time to stop and smell the roses this holiday, but follow these quick safety tips to ensure that your night doesn’t end up in flames.

Mood Lighting

Candles can create a romantic ambiance in any room but if you plan to use them, make sure they stay within eyesight. Never leave candles unattended, and place them on heat-resistant surfaces away from walls and any flammable materials. Make sure they are properly and fully extinguished when you are done using them!

Hair Tools

Getting all dolled-up for a hot date? Before you leave, turn off and unplug your curling iron or any electrical hair appliances you use. 

Burning Love

If you plan on curling up by the fire, use a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, keep the area around the fireplace clear from any decorations and flammable materials.  Take a lesson from the girls on “Friends” and never burn garbage, newspapers, charcoal, or plastic in a fireplace (or trashcan).  For outdoor fires, keep your pit at least 10 feet away from any structures. Always keep an extinguisher nearby any flame in case things get out of control.

Who’s Watching the Kids?

If you’ve hired a babysitter for the night, be sure they are CPR certified and comfortable responding in emergency situations.  The American Red Cross offers courses in babysitter’s training designed for 11-15-year-olds and First Aid/CRP/AED classes for everyone. 

Whatever your plans are this Valentine’s Day, remember these important safety tips.  Nothing ruins a romantic evening quite like having to call 9-1-1. For more information on health and safety tips, or to enroll in a First Aid course, visit www.redcross.org/dfw

**This story originally posted on 2/14/13**

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Preparedness tip of the week: What's the number to 9-1-1?

I know. I know. I should know the number to 9-1-1. I do.

But, do your kids?

If you haven't taught them how to call 9-1-1, it may be time.

Out of curiosity (and in case someone really doesn't know how to call the memorable number), I googled it.

Wikihow gave the following directions:

1. Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Obviously, when you make a call to emergency services, you are in an emergency and have a lot of adrenaline flowing through your veins. However, this can impede your speech and may cause you to start speaking too fast, too slow, begin shuttering, etc.

2. Call 9-1-1. Pick up the receiver. Press 9. Press 1. Press 1 again. If there is one, press the 'Call' button. It takes time for the phone to connect. You must be patient. Do NOT hang up if you do not connect immediately!

3. Remain calm. This is easier said that done. Measure and pace your breathing to slow down your heart rate and begin to plan what you will say to the dispatcher. Remember: Panic is the enemy, in this race against time.

4. Know what you will be asked. Make sure you are aware of each of the following:

• Nature of the emergency: Do you require assistance from law enforcement, medical professionals, and/or fire fighters? In certain areas, the dispatcher or a computer will tell you to dial certain numbers to help them know which department to connect you with and whom you should speak with.
• A detailed, yet concise, description: What happened? How many details do you know? What should have the most importance? In general, the most important thing is why you need assistance, followed by what caused you to need assistance.
• The phone number you are calling from: The dispatcher will need instruction on how to get to where you are and may need to call back for more information.
• Location: Know the address of the emergency and the nearest intersection or be able to provide directions for the dispatcher to relay to the emergency responders.

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