Lifesaving tips on preventing winter house fires  

As outdoor temperatures fall, the risk of home fires rises. Cold weather means more people are spending time indoors at home which increases the risk of house fires. The causes range from food left unattended on the stove to burning candles left unattended. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association states that cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries, especially on Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

It may seem contradictory for fires more likely break out when temperatures take a dip but there are several reasons for this:

·      Cold weather means we crank up the heat – including the use of space heaters and electric blankets – all of which can spark fires.

·      Chilly, cold air contains less moisture. This makes the physical wood structure of a home to become drier contributing to electrical fires under the right conditions.

·      Older homes or buildings can be a potential tinder box waiting for an untimely spark.

·      Electrical fires can occur if older, faulty wiring is present.

·      Increased use of candles indoors.  If left unattended or placed too close to a flammable item, it can be a fire just waiting to happen.

·      Colder weather has us spending more time indoors. If meals are slow-cooked, this means stoves and other appliances are plugged in and working for longer periods of time.

Unfortunately, more people die in house fires during the winter months than during any other time of the year. Fires are dangerous and destructive and can start in a variety of ways.  Because of the insidious nature of home fires, all of us need to practice home fire safety tips to reduce our risk of avoiding injury or death from fires preventing them from happening to begin with.

Important fire safety tips

It’s never too early to begin preparing for the heating season of cold weather. This winter, follow these smart and lifesaving fire safety tips for protecting your family from fire at home:

·      Every year, have your furnace inspected and serviced by a qualified professional.

·      Chimneys and vents should be serviced yearly with a cleaning and inspection by a qualified professional.  The leading cause of chimney fires is from built-up creosote.

·      Check your smoke alarms at least once a month, changing the batteries if necessary.

·      Replace your smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old.

·      Do not allow children to play with matches or lighters.

·      Place a fire screen around your fireplace to ensure ambers can’t escape.

·      Have a fireplace screen that is metal or has heat-tempered glass and is secure in its position in front of the fireplace.

·      Only use dry, seasoned wood in wood stoves.

·      Keep children at least 3 feet away from the fireplace, wood/pellet stove, oil stove or other space heaters.

·      Portable space heaters should have an automatic shut-off.  Do not leave them running when nobody is in the room.

·      Portable space heaters should be plugged directly into an outlet (not an extension cord) and placed at least three feet from anything that can burn such as bedding, paper, walls, and even people.

·      Don’t overload circuits or electrical outlets.

·      When cooking, keep dish towels, oven mitts and clothing away from stovetop flames. Never hold a baby or child while cooking.

·      Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.

·      When using candles, make sure they are in holders and at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Never use them in bedrooms or children’s rooms.

·      Candles inside carved pumpkins are a risk for burns and home fires. Use a flashlight or glow stick instead.

·      Make sure that all fires (fireplaces, woodstoves, candles, etc.) are completely extinguished before going to bed.  Store cooled ashes in a covered, metal container at least 10 feet from your home or other structure.

·      Make sure all doorways and windows are cleared of snow and ice so family members can make a safe escape if a fire occurs.

·      Create a fire escape plan with family members.  Rehearse it with your family on a routine basis and determine a safe meeting place where all family members should meet.  If a fire breaks out, get out of the hours and call 911.