Did users know half of all home heating fires occur from November through March?
The colder months and the seasonal holidays cause people to–more often than not– turn up the heat. Maybe they do this by lighting some candles, plugging in space heaters, or straight up tending a fire in their fireplace.
fire safety
Christmas trees, decorations, cooking, and candles all contribute to peak house fire season, but the approximately 45,000 home electrical fires each year are attributed to improper use of heating and electrical equipment.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) campaigns that as users stay cozy and warm this winter, stay fire smart. Safe-T Fire Protection advocates fire safety through local fire protection services in Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.
Turn off all space heaters and candles before bed
In “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign, NFPA instructs to plug only one heat-producing appliance
The first thing to remember when staying fire smart is to always make sure all heating equipment is turned off before users go to bed. The NFPA reports that peak home electrical fire deaths occur between midnight and 8 a.m.
In their “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign, the NFPA instructs to plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into a wall outlet at a time. This way, no outlet gets overloaded.
Double-check the surroundings when cooking
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source. Next time the user wants to bake cookies in the oven, double-check the clothing and surroundings, and make sure the user stays fire-safe! Any extra material hanging from the neck or sleeves, whether it’s holiday decorations or festive clothing, could be a fire hazard when tending to the famous recipe on the stove or in the oven.
Many variables could cause an instant fire. For instance, if there’s not enough moisture in the air, static electricity could spark a fire. Dry environments are more prone to static buildup and could be the catalyst for a fire or explosion upon turning the oven on.
Another kitchen-related tip?
Don’t use the oven as a source of heat. The NFPA says it could easily cause carbon monoxide to build up in the house. Read more about why smoke alarms should be on every level of the home.
Fire safety experts used to tell people they had 7 to 10 minutes to flee a burning home, yet with many items in modern homes made of synthetic materials, users have less time to escape. As they say, it only takes one time, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Have the family discuss a Fire Escape Plan that practices getting everyone out of the house in an estimated time of two minutes.
“Candle with Care”
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns; children should not be lighting or playing with candles
Setting the mood with candles is very pretty but also very hazardous. The flame that comes with candles should be used with extreme caution. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns; children should not be lighting or playing with candles.
Although candles die out on their own once they reach the end of their wick, users should extinguish them whenever user leave the room or when user go to sleep.
More than 1/3 of home fires are started by candles.
Practice being fire-smart with battery-operated candles! They are lovely non-flammable decorations that can still emulate the comfy mood that flame candles do. If users light candles for religious practices, remember to be fire-smart when lighting them.
The NFPA says to avoid keeping candles burning in bedrooms and other areas where people may fall asleep.
Avoid a “Mantle Breakdown”
Speaking of fire in the home, a fireplace is probably the only place users want to have a fire going. A fireplace in the home can still be fire-safe with the following tips:
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from the fireplace.
- Have a qualified professional clean and inspect the chimney and vents every year.
- Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container.
- Keep the metal container outside at least 10 feet from the home and any nearby buildings.
An adult should always be present and in charge of lighting the fire, tending to the fire, and putting out the fire. The NFPA suggests cracking a window open for fresh air supply while practicing fire safety.
Rely less on extension cords
Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance, according to the NFPA
As convenient as extension cords can be, they should not be the solution for packing several electrical units together. While the holidays invite families to use more electricity with Christmas lights, cooking, and heating equipment, remember to be fire-smart with electricity in the home.
Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance, according to the NFPA “Freezing Winter Fires” campaign.
Half of all home electrical fires involve home wiring or lighting equipment
Have an electrician install wall outlets where the user needs them. This would ensure users do not rely on extension cords, and limit the electricity users consume. Also, the NFPA notes to use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.
Stressing the need to stay fire-smart when turning the heat up in the home is paramount to keeping the family, home, and belongings safe. Read more about Fire Safety During the Holidays in our previous blog. With our experience and certification by the states of Georgia and South Carolina and local governing authorities across the state of Alabama, Safe-T Fire Protection handles the installation, maintenance, and repairs of fire protection equipment.
