Cold weather, hot danger: SAFD provides tips to avoid winter home fires

SAN ANTONIO — As temperatures drop and heaters, fireplaces and holiday decorations come out, winter becomes one of the busiest seasons for fire crews. Local experts have provided a few simple precautions that can go a long way in keeping your home warm, cozy and safe.

With half of all home fires occurring in December, January and February and heating equipment being a top culprit, according to SAFD, now’s the time to brush up on winter fire-safety essentials.

First, space heaters deserve extra attention when being used. Experts say to plug them directly into a wall outlet – never a power strip and keep anything that can burn at least three feet away. And before you head to another room, turn them off.

And while a crackling fireplace may be comforting, please be cautious. Remember to never use gasoline to start the fire. Burn dry, seasoned wood and make sure a heat-tempered screen is in place to catch flying embers. When the fire is out, let the ashes cool completely and store them in a metal container kept outside and away from buildings.

If you haven’t already, schedule a furnace checkup to make sure your system is running safely. Fire experts also recommend getting chimneys and vents professionally cleaned each year to prevent buildup.

Experts also urge residents to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month. Homes should have smoke alarms on every level, in each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide detectors are essential anywhere fuel-burning appliances are used. 

And, generators should never run indoors and need to be kept away from windows, doors and HVAC units. And never use a gas oven to warm up the house. 

Decorations may brighten the season, but they also increase fire risk. Check holiday lights for frayed wires and avoid plugging too many strands into one outlet. Keep candles at least a foot away from anything that can burn, and never leave them unattended. If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it watered and place it far from heaters or fireplaces.

Plus, every household should have a fire-escape plan. According to SAFD, residents should choose two ways out of each room and pick a safe meeting spot outside. Practice the plan with everyone in the home, especially with the kids. Experts also encourage parents to talk with their kids about fire safety in age-appropriate ways.

Having a fire extinguisher nearby is also a good idea, especially if you use a fireplace or multiple heat sources. Make sure everyone knows where it is and how to operate it.

Overall, the winter months do bring their share of hazards, but most are preventable. A little preparation like a clean chimney, a tested alarm or a safely placed space heater can be the difference between a warm night and an emergency. 

For more information about winter fire safety, CLICK HERE.