Winter Fire Safety Tips

Heating, cooking, decorations, and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires occur more frequently in the winter than in any other season (NFPA). As the snowflakes fall and the temperatures drop, it's more important than ever to take the essential steps to protect your family and property from the dangers of winter fires.

Be cautious of space heaters.

The best months for heating fires are December, January, and February. Space heaters must be maintained at least three feet away from anything flammable, such as upholstered furniture, tapestries, beds, or bedding, and must be turned off when leaving or sleeping. Additionally, never wear anything near or on the device, and never cover or lay anything on top of the cable. Also, keep a three-foot zone clear of children around space heaters.

Practice candle safety.

When using candles for festive lighting, keep them at least a foot away from anything flammable, never leave them unattended, and keep them out of reach of children. Make it a practice to check that all flames have been extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room.

Play it safe in the kitchen.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and accidents, so understanding how to keep your guests and family safe while entertaining during the winter months is essential. Kitchen fires are most commonly caused by unattended stovetops and ovens. Keep an eye on your food while it's boiling, baking, or roasting, and set a timer to remind you to check it. When cooking for long periods of time, remember to use the exhaust fan or vent above your stove to help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) from accumulating inside your home.

Decorate with care.

During the winter, decorations are brought in and out of storage, providing a fire hazard. Examine light strings for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or weak connections, and destroy any damaged sets. 

Also, don't put too many lights in a single outlet; overloaded circuits might overheat and create a fire. Keep any festive decorations at least three feet away from open flames, lights, and other heat sources.

Have a fire extinguisher on hand.

It's vital to have fire extinguishers on hand – and to know how to use them – in order to keep your home safe for you and your family. When time is of the essence, having a fire extinguisher on hand is critical. 

Fire extinguishers should be stored in easily accessible areas and in important rooms, such as the kitchen and garage, where fires are more likely to occur. For general protection, choose a multi-rated fire extinguisher, such as the First Alert Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher, which can put out most residential fires.

If your home has been damaged by a Christmas fire and you require restoration services, call Restoration 1 of Peyton.