Winter weather brings a variety of safety concerns – but house fires aren’t usually the first concern to come to mind. Surprisingly enough, house fires occur more in winter than they do in any other season. While you’re heating your home and keeping cozy this winter, keep these fire safety tips in mind:
When using a space heater:
- Keep any flammable items at least 3 feet away.
- Use a space heater with an automatic shut-off so if it falls over, it will turn off.
- Avoid plugging your space heater into a power strip. Only plug it directly into a wall outlet.
- Do not leave space heaters on while you’re sleeping or while you’re not in the room.
When using a fireplace:
- Make sure your chimney is inspected and cleaned properly before use. You should have your chimney inspected at least once a year.
- Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to avoid hot sparks from jumping out and starting a fire.
- Put the fire out completely before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Discard ashes in a metal container with a lid and store it outside at least 3 feet away from your home.
When using a wood stove:
- Get your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.
- Clean the ashes out regularly. Buildup of ashes can be a fire hazard.
- Keep the doors sealed properly so hot ash, sparks, or smoke can’t escape.
- Use seasoned wood and maintain the size of the fire. Using unseasoned wood can cause buildup in the chimney, and excessive heat can cause the flute to crack.
No matter which source you prefer to heat your home, it’s important to be aware of potential fire hazards they may bring. In addition to these tips, always be prepared with a fire escape plan and contact your local fire department with any questions.