Winter is a time to make your home super-cozy with a roaring fireplace, the heating system cranked up, throw rugs draped over sofas and holiday decorations to brighten your day against the gray outside.
However, what you do to warm your home can also create a fire hazard.
American fire departments report approximately 1.4 million fires across the nation each year.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that’s one fire every 89 seconds, causing 3,500 deaths, 15,000-plus injuries and almost $22 billion in property damage.
Data suggests space heaters are often left on by accident, eventually overheating or causing clothes or curtains to catch alight.
The most common cause of household fires is cooking, says the NFPA. One of its spokespeople said neglect and “trying to do too many things at once” is the most common reason for a blaze starting in the kitchen.
Perhaps, not surprisingly, the biggest days for residential fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
Follow these safety ideas to minimize your risk.
Kitchen savvy
If you leave the kitchen, turn off your stove. It’s so easy to become distracted and forget about a pot boiling away. When using the oven, set a timer so you don’t forget about your roast, fries or cookies.
Handy idea
Always make sure the handles of your pots and pans point inwards to avoid accidentally knocking them off the stove.
Stove safety
Keep anything flammable, such as clothing, cloth towels and rolls of paper towels away from the stove.
Chimney clean
If you’re lucky enough to have an open fire, you should be diligent in having your chimney cleaned at least once every two years.
Can the candle
Why not use battery-powered candles instead of those with a naked flame? Some even emit scents.
Space heater
Avoid drying your clothes in front of a space heater. So many fires are caused by flammable clothing materials being placed too close. Turn off a space heater when you leave the room. Never leave one running overnight.
Plug it
If running a space heater, never use the same electricity outlet to run another heating appliance as it could overload on the circuit.
Check cords
Electrical fires can start when cords or appliances are compromised, overloading electrical outlets. Appliances such as the microwave, refrigerator and stove should all be plugged into a dedicated outlet. You should never use an extension cord for a heater.
Faulty wires
Heading into the Holiday season, don’t forget to check the wiring of your decorative lights before plugging them into the wall. If you see any sign of wear and tear, put them in the trash. Replacements cost only a few bucks.