The winter months see more structure fires than any other season because homeowners find ways to heat their homes. American Restoration Water & Fire wants to remind you of these winter fire safety tips to help keep you and your family stay safe. Homeowners should always be aware of the dangers that certain ways of heating your home could potentially lead to a home fire.
Portable Heater:
- Plugged directly into wall outlets, not extension cords.
- Make sure to turn the heater off before leaving the room.
- Verify that the heater has an automatic shut-off.
- Clear away any laundry, bedding, clothing, or curtains. Nothing should be within three feet of the heater.
Fireplace:
- Do not burn paper in your fireplace.
- Ensure that the fire is out completely before going to bed.
- Make sure that any ash that is still hot is cleaned up and put in a metal container and left outside at least three feet away from your home.
- Always keep the metal gate or glass for your fireplace in front of it to prevent embers from jumping out.
Wood Stove:
- Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected yearly.
- Keep loose items at least three feet away.
- Your wood stove should be completely off before leaving your home or going to bed.
Another safety idea to consider is the installation of a Carbon Monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide is often called the “invisible killer” because it is an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas. American Restoration Water & Fire also highly recommends checking your smoke detectors monthly; you can do this by pushing the button on each smoke detector. It’s also a good idea to have a fire escape plan, and if you’re unsure how to create one, you can visit our previous blog about it here. Stay warm this winter and take every precaution you can to prevent a home fire!
