Fall is fast approaching which means winter is on the way. Cooking comfort foods, lighting candles, burning fires, decorating for the holidays, and turning up the heat are all signs of what is to come. While all that sounds warm and cozy, you need to also focus on fire safety. Fire Protection Week is October 4-10, so it’s recommended you review some basic home fire safety tips to ensure your safety while you enjoy the upcoming months.
Below are Some Common Fire Hazards to Consider During the Fall/Winter Months, but not Limited to:
The threat of house fires increases during the fall and winter months, so let’s review some common causes of house fires.
Heating- During the winter months it gets cold and sometimes you may use additional sources of heat such as logs in a fireplace, firepit, portable space heaters, and wood-burning stoves, but be careful. One wrong move or a turn of the head, a fire can ignite causing extensive damage to your home. Make sure all your heating equipment is routinely inspected by licensed professionals to prevent malfunctions that could result in a fire.
Cooking- Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires. It is easy to get distracted especially if you are the host of a dinner party but avoid leaving the food while it’s on the cooktop or oven. In the blink of an eye, grease fires can spread quickly.
Electrical- Fall and winter months are ideal for decorating, but fires can be generated if you overuse extension cords and outlets. Also, when decorating the Christmas tree, avoid leaving the lights on at night and make sure you water your tree regularly to avoid a dried-out tree that could ignite.
Candles- Candles are a nice way to add ambiance, not to mention the smell, but candles can cause house fires. Always make sure candles can’t be knocked over and are in a sturdy container/base. Also, make sure that lit candles are kept away from anything that could ignite.
Some Additional Guidelines to Staying Safe and Keeping your Home Fireproof This Winter:
- Replace batteries on fire/smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors yearly. Replace the entire unit(s) every 10 years.
- Have a working fire extinguisher in a designated location for fire emergencies.
- Have your HVAC routinely inspected by a licensed professional to ensure it is in good working order to help prevent malfunctions.
- When cooking, never venture off too far. Cooking fires are leading cause of house fires.
The main objective is to keep your family and loved ones safe during the coming fall and winter months. Enjoy the upcoming months and stay safe!
