It's Never Too Early to Prepare

Stay Safe This Fall and Winter: Fire Safety Tips from the Guilford Fire Department

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and winter looms just around the corner, it's important to remember that with the changing seasons comes an increased risk of fire-related incidents. The Guilford Fire Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our community, and we want to share some crucial fire safety tips to help you stay safe in the coming months.

Understanding the Risks

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the months of December, January, and February are the peak times for home heating fires. In fact, nearly half of all home heating fires occur during these three months. In 2021 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 49,000 home heating fires, resulting in 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and over $1 billion in property damage. These statistics highlight the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent fires in your home.

Home Heating Safety

As temperatures drop, many of us turn to various heating methods to keep our homes warm. However, it's crucial to use these methods safely to avoid the risk of a fire. Here are some tips:

1. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment: This includes space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves. The NFPA reports that space heaters are involved in 81% of home heating fire deaths, making it essential to maintain a safe distance between your heater and any flammable materials.

2. Never leave a space heater unattended: Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed. The majority of heating fire deaths (53%) result from fires that begin because heating equipment was left on and unattended.

3. Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually: Make sure your heating system, whether it’s a furnace, fireplace, or wood stove, is inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional every year. Creosote buildup in chimneys is a common cause of chimney fires.

4. Use the right kind of fuel: If you have a wood stove or fireplace, burn only seasoned wood. For portable heaters, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Using improper fuel can cause a fire or create harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

5. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly, replace batteries annually, and replace the alarms every 10 years. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in central locations outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

Cooking Safety

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, accounting for nearly half (49%) of all reported home fires. As you prepare for holiday feasts and family gatherings, it's important to stay vigilant in the kitchen:

1. Stay in the kitchen while cooking: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a short period, turn off the stove.

2. Keep flammable items away from the stovetop: This includes oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, and curtains. Anything that can catch fire should be kept a safe distance from the cooking area.

3. Be cautious when frying food: Frying poses a significant fire risk, as hot oil can splatter and ignite. Use a lid or splash guard to protect yourself, and never pour water on a grease fire. Instead, smother it with a lid or baking soda.

4. Use timers and check your food regularly: It's easy to become distracted during the busy holiday season. Set timers to remind you when to check your food, and never leave the house while cooking.

Holiday Decorations and Candles

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings unique fire hazards. Holiday decorations and candles can create a festive atmosphere, but they must be used with care:

1. Choose decorations that are flame-retardant or flame-resistant: This can help prevent a fire from starting if decorations come into contact with a heat source.

2. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn: Candles cause an estimated 20 home fires each day, with December being the peak month for candle fires. Consider using battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.

3. Check your holiday lights for safety: Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum number of light strands to connect, and always turn off holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

4. Use caution with Christmas trees: If you have a live tree, make sure it is fresh and watered daily. A dry tree can ignite quickly and cause a serious fire. Keep your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.

General Fire Safety Tips

In addition to the specific tips for heating, cooking, and holiday decorations, it's important to remember these general fire safety practices:

1. Create a fire escape plan: Every household should have a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room and a designated meeting place outside. Practice your plan regularly with all members of your household.

2. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children: Educate children about the dangers of fire and keep matches and lighters locked away in a safe place.

3. Know how to use a fire extinguisher: A portable fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver in the event of a small fire. Make sure you have at least one in your home, and learn the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep) to use it effectively.

4. Stay informed about fire safety regulations: Be aware of local fire safety regulations, and make sure your home complies with them. This includes ensuring that your home’s address is clearly visible from the street so that emergency responders can find you quickly.

Conclusion

The fall and winter months are a time of celebration, family gatherings, and cozy nights by the fire. However, they also bring an increased risk of fire-related incidents. By following these fire safety tips from the Guilford Fire Department, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home from the dangers of fire. Stay safe, and enjoy the season with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary precautions to prevent a fire from occurring in your home.