Remember these safety tips for winter fire hazards in your home.
Did you know that home fires occur more frequently in the winter than in any other season? Cooking, heating, decorations, and candles all contribute to the high likelihood of fire during winter. As snow starts to fall and the temperatures lower, it’s vital that you complete the proper steps to ensure your family and home are under protection from winter fire hazards.
Be Cautious of Space Heaters
The winter season is the peak month for heating fires. Homeowners should place their space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, like upholstered furniture, mattresses, bedding, and tapestries. The heater must be turned off when you go to sleep or leave the room. In addition, never store clothing on or around the space heater, and avoid covering the cord or putting anything on top of the unit. Make sure to let your kids know they should be three feet away from your space heater, too.
Practice Candle Safety
When using candles for holiday lighting, keep them at least a foot away from anything combustible. Never leave candles unattended, and keep them away from children and pets. Always make it a routine to ensure that all flames are extinguished before you leave the room or go to bed.
Prioritize Safety in the Kitchen
Cooking is the primary cause of home fires and injuries, so knowing what you can do to help keep your loved ones safe while entertaining during winter is critical. The key causes of fires in the kitchen are unattended ovens and stovetops. If you are baking, roasting, or simmering food, check it routinely, remain in the kitchen, and use a reminder timer. Don’t forget to turn on the exhaust fan or vent above your stove when cooking for more extended periods of time. This helps prevent carbon monoxide (CO) from collecting inside your home.
Avoid Lighting Overload
As decorations come in and out of storage during winter, they also come with possible fire hazards. Protect your family from winter fire hazards by doing the following:
- Inspect light strings for cracked or broken sockets, bare or frayed wires, or loose connections,
- Dispose of damaged sets
- Avoid plugging excessive lights into an outlet (overload circuits can overheat and start a fire)
- Place any festive decorations at least three feet from open flames, other heat sources, and lamps
Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand
Another way to protect your loved ones from winter fire hazards is to have fire extinguishers and know how to use them. This is a part of maintaining a safe home for your family. You should store your fire extinguisher where you can easily reach it and in key rooms where fires are prone, such as the garage and kitchen.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480.