Safety Tips for the Winter Months
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 47,000 fires occur during the winter season. While winter brings colder weather and the need to warm your home, you can keep your family and loved ones safe by following a few simple fire safety tips:
- Keep a three-foot open area around all heating equipment and ensure all equipment is turned off before leaving the room.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Inspect all heating equipment and have chimneys cleaned every year by a qualified professional.
- Secure your fireplace with a sturdy screen to keep sparks from flying into your room.
- Routinely test smoke alarms and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, leave immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
Here are some additional fire safety tips that will keep you safe this winter.