According to FEMA, half of all heating fires occur in December, January and February. Temperatures drop. Families spend more time indoors. Mix in heating equipment scattered around the home or office, holiday decorations and crowded rooms, and you have the potential to contribute to fire hazards. There are lots of things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire in your home or office this winter.
1. Heat all areas safely. Whether you use a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, safety is paramount:
- Keep flammable materials away from any heat source. That means curtains, furniture, papers, clothing and anything else flammable should be at least 3 feet away from the heat source – including space heaters.
- Maintain your heating system. Have your HVAC unit, chimney, and vents professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
- Be very cautious about space heaters. They should always be placed on a flat, stable surface and never leave them unattended. Always turn them off before leaving a room or going to bed. Many of the newer models have timers, so you can set the time when you turn it on, keeping you safe even if you forget.
- Avoid using ovens for heat. Don’t laugh! You may remember our parents doing this! Truth is, you should never use the kitchen oven to heat your home, as this can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup and increase fire risk.
2. Be Mindful with Holiday Decorations. Winter holidays bring festive lights and decorations—but also extra fire hazards. Take these steps
- Choose flame-resistant decorations. Look for items labeled “flame retardant” or “non-combustible.”
- Inspect electrical cords: Check holiday lights and extension cords for frayed wires, loose connections, or damaged plugs before use.
- Don’t overload outlets: Use only one high-wattage device per outlet and avoid using multiple extension cords hooked together!
- Water your tree: If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming highly flammable. And when it does get fragile, dispose of it right away.
3. Cook with Caution
Cooking is a common source of fires, especially during winter gatherings and holidays. Friends are gathering. We get distracted. And in most cases, there’s more food being prepared.
- Never leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food.
- Keep children and pets away. Maintain a safe zone of at least three feet around cooking areas.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby – where you can reach it easily! Store a working fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen and know how to use it.
4. Maintain Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Early detection can save lives. Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Newer alarms may not need yearly battery replacement. But know what type of equipment you have and how to maintain them.
- Install alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
- Replace smoke alarms every ten years and carbon monoxide detectors as recommended by the manufacturer. Smoke alarms have built-in technology now. Failure to replace them will probably result in the alarm going off in the middle of the night. Don’t put this task off!
5. Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan. While this may seem simple, preparedness is key to safety in case of a fire, Everyone needs to know the drill.
- Develop a clear escape plan with at least two exits from every room.
- Practice the plan with all household members, including children, at least twice a year.
- Choose a safe meeting spot outside the home.
6. Be cautious about disposing of fireplace ashes.
- Be sure the ashes have cooled.
- Store them in a tightly covered metal container that is at least 10 feet from your house!
Winter fires are preventable with the right precautions and awareness. By practicing safe heating, being cautious with decorations and cooking, maintaining alarms, and having a clear escape plan, you can enjoy a safe and cozy winter season with peace of mind.
Restoration 1 of West Denver is here to help restore your property if you have a fire. Please give us a call at 720-605-2994.