Home fires occur more frequently in winter than in any other season. While staying cozy and warm this winter, be fire smart! Follow these tips to help prevent winter fires and to stay safe this winter season:
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters and candles.
- Plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
- Have a qualified professional clean and inspect chimney and vents every year.
- Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside at least ten feet from your home and any nearby buildings.
- Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away from the house as possible.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. Don’t become a statistic – stay fire safe! Visit the Fire Department page for more information.