Keep Your Family Safe with These Winter Fire Prevention Tips

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Now that the long hot days of summer have given way to the long cold nights of winter, it is time to get serious about fire prevention and fire safety. The winter season is always a busy time for firefighters, and if you do not want your home to become another statistic there are some proactive steps you need to take before the snow starts flying and you crank the furnace up to full.

These fire prevention and fire safety tips can help you make it through the winter safely and avoid the house fires that often mar this time of year. If you get started now, you and your family can be warm, safe and comfortable throughout the winter season. Here are a few winter fire safety tips to get you started.

1. Ask your insurance company for a guide on winter fire safety. The insurance company has a vested interest in making sure your home does not go up in flames, and they can provide some valuable safety tips. Some home insurers even provide complimentary fire safety audits for their customers.
2. Use space heaters with caution. When properly used, space heaters can cut your energy costs and keep your living space warm and comfortable. When used improperly, space heaters can spark a nasty fire. Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off that kicks in if it tips over, and make sure there is at least three feet of space on all sides of the heater.
3. Have your furnace inspected and maintained every year. Making sure your furnace is running at top efficiency will enhance your winter safety and reduce your energy bills.
4. Never fill your heater while it is still hot. Always wait for the unit to cool down completely before adding water.
5. Make sure your fireplace has a solid glass or quality metal screen to keep embers from getting on your floors or carpet.
6. Clean your wood stove regularly and remove any unburned materials promptly. A dirt wood stove can spark a fire and cause smoke to accumulate in your home.
7. Double-check the operation of the furnace controls and make sure the emergency shut-offs are working properly. Make sure every family member knows where the emergency shut-off is located and how to use it.
8. Check the ductwork and flue pipes and make sure they are not clogged or dirty. Dust and debris inside the ductwork could spark a fire.
9. Never store flammable liquids or heating materials indoors. Store propane tanks outdoors— never in the garage or house.
10. Make sure to place fire extinguishers strategically around your home. A professional fire safety auditor can ensure they are functional.

The winter season has its fair share of hazards—from icy roads and snowy sidewalks to the risk of fire from improperly maintained furnaces and heating systems. Now that winter is just around the corner, it is time to take inventory of your home and make sure you and your family can enjoy the season in safety.

10 August 2017