More home fires occur during colder months than any other time of the year. Be aware of potential hazards to keep your family safe.
Stay Safe This Winter
Don’t overload electric outlets or extension cords.
Consider using warmer clothing, winter hats, and more blankets.
Check cords and plugs for fraying and overheating–replace when necessary.
Place heaters on level, nonflammable surface–avoid rugs or carpets.
Never operate with extension cords or power strips–plug directly into wall outlet.
Never place cords under rugs or carpet to prevent damage and overheating.
Keep flammables, kids and pets at least 3 feet from heaters.
Never leave unattended–turn off before leaving the room.
Heaters should be safety-certified with automatic shutoff.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning–never use ovens, stoves or clothes dryers to heat your home.
Unattended appliances pose extreme risk of personal injury and fire.
Check for signs of wear and tear–replace when necessary.
Avoid folding or covering with other blankets or items.
Most related fires are caused by items more than 10 years old.
Do not use extension cords or power strips to connect electric fireplaces, and inspect cords and plugs for damage before use.
Inspect chimneys and flues–hire a professional to inspect and clean.
Keep flammable items at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.
Use barriers or gates to protect children and pets.
Extinguish fire or turn off when unattended–keep fire extinguisher nearby.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
Check batteries and replace every six months.
Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
Inspect cords and wires for damage–replace as needed.
Light strands are rated indoor or outdoor–use as indicated to prevent fire and electric shock.
Avoid connecting too many light strings together.
Use LED lighting to prevent overheating and decrease kilowatt usage.
Turn off lights before going to bed or leaving home.
Never leave burning candles unattended, place on stable heat-resistant surfaces far from flammable materials–consider using LED candles.
Campfires, grills, and gas heaters provide fun and comfort on winter nights. However, vegetation is much drier this time of year, and fire risk is elevated.
Vegetation is much dryer this time of year and potential fire risk is high.
Clear 10-foot area around heat source of flammable materials.
Keep children away and ensure constant supervision during use of fire, heaters and grills.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and never leave unattended– extinguish completely before leaving.
Use designated fire pits and surround with rocks.
Watch for local messaging concerning fire bans.
Heat lamps pose extreme fire danger–always mount securely with components out of animals’ reach and away from flammable material.
Inspect heat lamp components for damage and replace as needed.
Avoid using heat lamps by insulating shelters with straw, shavings or hay.
Additional Resources
For more information on space heaters and preparing for winter weather, visit the following:
Helpful Links
National Safety Council’s Fire Safety Webpage
Ready.gov’s Winter Weather Webpage