Keep Your Family Safe from a Winter House Fire

There are more home fires in winter than in any other season. Half of all home heating fires happen in December, January, and February. During the cold winter season, many people turn to several heating sources for additional warmth. Unfortunately, the improper use of these heat sources increases the possibility of a fire in your home. Fire prevention is important, so make sure you, your family, and your home are protected. As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart.

THESE “10” IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS WILL HELP KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE FROM A WINTER HOUSE FIRE

1. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas. Test them at least once a month.

2. Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off. Keep things that can burn away from your cooking area. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they won’t get bumped.

3. Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights or battery-powered lighting on hand. Also have fresh batteries. Never use candles.

4. Plug space heaters and other heat producing appliances securely into an electrical outlet.

If space heaters do not have an automatic shut off, turn them off when you leave the room, and turn them off when you go to bed. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm, but keep emergency heat source at least 3 feet away.

5. Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year. Keep wood stove door and fire place closed unless adding wood or pellets or stoking the fire. Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home

6. Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home.

Make preparations in advance for evacuating your home in the event of a house fire

7. Create and practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year. Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency.

8. Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.

9. Clear driveway and front walkway of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.

10. Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.

Practice makes perfect! Practice reduces panic and injuries.