Cold Weather Fire Prevention Tips

Serious home fires are more likely to occur during colder months due to the use of heating systems and temporary heat sources. Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires. No matter what kind of heating system you have, it’s important to perform preventive maintenance tasks and follow fire prevention advice.

According to the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking is the leading cause of all home fires. Never leave cooking food unattended, as it can take just seconds for fires to ignite. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove or other appliances that generate heat, and clean regularly to prevent grease buildup. Make sure appliances are turned off before leaving the room or going to bed.

All home heating systems depend on proper airflow to function properly. Fuel-burning systems such as fireplaces, wood and pellet stove, propane, and natural gas furnaces should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Chimneys and vents need to be clear of obstructions. Routinely replace furnace filters. Maintain your heating system to keep it running safely and efficiently. Hire a professional to perform an inspection and make any needed repairs.

Keep the three-foot area directly around your fireplace, wood stove, furnace, and space heaters free of any flammable materials.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are involved in less than half of home heating fires but cause about 86% of the deaths from those fires. Before using a space heater, inspect for damaged cords or plugs. If damaged, do not use the heater. Position heaters out of high-traffic areas where they may pose a tripping hazard. Be sure to place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpets, which can overheat and start a fire. When purchasing a new space heater, choose one with an automatic shut-off feature if the unit tips over. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Never leave a space heater unattended.

Electrical problems are also a leading contributor to home fires. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, home electrical systems cause an estimated 51,000 fires and nearly 500 deaths every year. Never force plugs into outlets, and check that cords are not frayed or cracked. Do not run cords under carpets or place them in high-traffic areas, and use extension cords only on a temporary basis. Make sure light bulbs are the proper wattage for fixtures. Install ground fault circuit interrupters in kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and elsewhere, and test them regularly. Check periodically for loose wires, and listen for popping or sizzling sounds behind walls.

Keep residential fire extinguishers nearby and understand how to use them. Check fire extinguishers when checking batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make and practice an escape plan with at least 2 ways to exit each room. According to the NFPA, a home fire was reported every 88 seconds in 2022, and once a smoke alarm sounds, fire can spread quickly, leaving mere minutes to escape. The good news is that most of these risks are preventable with a few simple habits – a little maintenance and a practiced plan go a long way toward keeping your home, and the people in it, safe all winter long.