The winter months mean cold weather, hot beverages, and warm clothing. But it can also present unique hazards from fire and smoke inside homes and businesses. Consider these tips to increase safety during winter and protect against fire and smoke damage from heating devices. These winter safety tips can help protect your home, and family, and provide peace of mind.
Our Top 5 Winter Safety Tips
1. Heating Your Home Safely
Sources of heat to keep homes warm are the second leading cause of U.S. home fires and injuries and the third leading cause of home fire deaths. The winter months are the peak time for these fires, with space heaters considered the type of equipment most related to home fires. Most U.S. home fire deaths and injuries are associated with space heater equipment.
Stay safe during these cold and uniquely dangerous months for heating fires by ensuring that space heaters are at least three feet away from flammable items, including upholstered furniture, bedding, mattresses, and tapestries. Make sure to turn off any space heater if you are not in that room of the house. Please do not leave them unattended. It is also not a good idea to store clothing around a space heater. Also, it is crucial to keep the power cord of space heaters free of any items and not put anything on top of them. Finally, ensure you keep children away from space heaters, establishing a three-foot area around them that remains off-limits to anyone.
2. Using Candles and Avoiding Fires
The winter also represents the peak time when candles are used in homes and businesses. They serve either as a decorative touch around special occasions and holidays or as unique scents that evoke fond memories and the smells of the season. But they can also present dangers if not handled correctly. Candle fires in U.S. homes are most common in December and January, and Christmas represents the peak period for these fires.
When using candles inside, they are kept safe from anything flammable. Place candles at least a foot away from furniture, bedding, and other items that could easily catch fire. Also, remember to keep candles out of the reach of children. They should be placed on a solid, well-anchored surface to avoid knocking over onto carpeting or other flammable surfaces. Candles also should not be left unattended and should be extinguished when leaving a room or before heading to bed.
3. Cooking Precautions
The cooler winter also presents more opportunities for family and friends to gather for special occasions and holiday parties. That means a lot of cooking for guests, so staying safe in the kitchen is essential. Unfortunately, cooking is among the leading causes of house fires and injuries in the U.S., so it is vital to remain vigilant during this time. The leading cause of kitchen fires is when stovetops and ovens are left unattended.
Monitor any cooking closely to avoid any fire and smoke damage from kitchen fires. It does not matter if you are cooking at a simmer, baking, or roasting your meals. Stay alert and mindful of cooking times by using a timer to remind you when to remove food from the oven or stovetop. You can also make sure to use a kitchen fan or exhaust vent above the oven or stove to avoid the collection of carbon monoxide inside. Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is odorless and colorless. Gas is created when fuels do not burn entirely from heating and cooking equipment. This dangerous gas more commonly collects during the winter and can be avoided with proper venting and monitoring of devices.
4. Using Generators Safely
A portable generator can be helpful during the winter months to maintain electricity and heat in your home during storms. But portable generators can be dangerous if not used properly. Half of all generator deaths in the U.S. occur during the four coldest months of the year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Ensure you understand how to safely operate your generator to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur if misused in an enclosed space. Other potential dangers from portable generators include electric shock, electrocution, and fire risks.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
Fires during the winter pose the danger of damage from flame and smoke. You can reduce this danger by having a fire extinguisher handy in your home. It is best to keep your fire extinguisher in rooms where fires are most likely, such as the kitchen. It is also essential to know how to use your fire extinguisher safely. Make sure you read the directions carefully and seek guidance from a first responder if you need help.
These winter safety tips can provide protection for your family as we approach the winter months. During the holidays, it’s easy to forget these safety precautions, but we recommend taking some time to ensure that you’re using these tips to provide a safe environment and prevent any catastrophic damage.
