NEW ULM — The New Ulm Fire Department is urging everyone remember fire safety as they deal with the “new normal.” As people find themselves spending extended time at home for work, self-isolation, physical distancing, please remember the importance of preventing home fires.

Along with other essential services, the fire department has had to implement safeguards and physical distancing protocols. Residents of New Ulm are advised of the following changes to fire department services during this time:

The fire stations are currently closed to the public. Please call for assistance.

Rental inspections have been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Fire Chief Paul Macho is also urging the public to remain vigilant in the ongoing battle to prevent unintentional fires and injuries by practicing fire prevention and fire safety during these extraordinary times.

“Regardless of the circumstances, additional time at home with family members provides an excellent opportunity to discuss fire safety and review your home fire escape plan,” said Macho.

Here are some things that people can do to protect themselves and their families:

If you smoke, smoke outside. Use a deep ashtray filled with sand or water. Make sure cigarettes are extinguished completely, every time.

Keep an eye on what you fry. While staying home will likely involve more cooking, remember to pay attention to what’s on the stove. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn the burners off. Keep pets and young children at least three feet away from the hot surfaces.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using the test button. If the alarm fails to sound, replace batteries or if you have lithium – ion alarms, replace the device. Make sure to replace all smoke alarms, even hard-wired alarms, every 10 years.

Practice your home fire escape plan to make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if a fire occurs. Designate someone to help older adults, children, and anyone else who may need help to escape.

Use care when recharging electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or mobile devices. Check electrical cords and charge cables to ensure they are in good condition. Don’t overload electrical circuits. Avoid placing electronics on soft surfaces when recharging to avoid the risk of overheating.

As the New Ulm Fire Department continues to do their best to protect the community, it is imperative that the public does all that they can to practice fire safety in the home and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more information contact the New Ulm Fire Department at (507) 359-8225.