Put a Freeze on Winter Fires
According to NFPA statistics, space heaters account for about one third of home heating fires and approximately 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths. The USFA’s Winter Residential Building Fires report shows that each winter an estimated 108,400 residential building fires occur in the United States, resulting in 945 deaths, 3,825 injuries, and $1.7 billion in property loss. Cooking is the leading cause of winter residential building fires at 36 percent followed by heating at 23 percent. Winter residential building fires occur mainly in the early evening hours, peaking from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Home fires increase in part due to cooking and heating," said Darien Fire Chief David Gardner. "Winter storms can also interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources that contribute to the increased risk of fire during the winter months.”
Winter Fire Safety Tips
The Darien Fire Department, the USFA, and the NFPA recommend following these safety tips to prevent winter home fires:
“Winter fires are preventable,” Gardner emphasized. “Everyone should find out what they need to know to prevent a tragedy and have a safe winter season.” For more information about the causes of winter fires, winter storm fire safety, holiday fire safety, and tips that will help prevent the incidence of fire in the home, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/winter and the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org/winter.
The Darien Fire Department and the United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.
“Home fires increase in part due to cooking and heating," said Darien Fire Chief David Gardner. "Winter storms can also interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources that contribute to the increased risk of fire during the winter months.”
Winter Fire Safety Tips
The Darien Fire Department, the USFA, and the NFPA recommend following these safety tips to prevent winter home fires:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.
- Space heaters need space; keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from each heater.
- Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical or extension cords. Do not try to repair them.
- Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. They are not designed for this purpose and can be a fire hazard. In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) gas might kill people and pets.
- Do not put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
- Avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy candleholders that won’t burn.
- If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside.
“Winter fires are preventable,” Gardner emphasized. “Everyone should find out what they need to know to prevent a tragedy and have a safe winter season.” For more information about the causes of winter fires, winter storm fire safety, holiday fire safety, and tips that will help prevent the incidence of fire in the home, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/winter and the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org/winter.
The Darien Fire Department and the United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.
Winter Fire Safety Tips
