Winter’s here, so many of us are snuggling up and staying warm inside our homes. However, it’s important to remember that this season also increases the risk of home fires due to the increased use of heating equipment. It’s crucial to heed some winter fire safety tips and take the necessary precautions. Simple things like having working smoke detectors and keeping flammable objects away from heating equipment can make a big difference. With a little extra care and attention, your winter can be a cozy and safe one.
Winter Fire Safety Tips: What to Know
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more home fires occur in winter than in any other season. Here’s how you can prevent a fiery disaster on your property.
Wood-Burning Appliances
- Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned before firing up a wood stove or fireplace.
- Position flammable objects at least three feet from a wood stove or fireplace.
- Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in a fireplace or wood stove.
- Place a glass or metal screen in front of a fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from entering the surrounding area.
- Never use excessive amounts of paper to overbuild a fire in fireplaces. That may ignite the creosote in the chimney.
- Ensure your fireplace fire is out before sleeping or leaving home.
- Before closing your fireplace damper, check that the ashes are cool. Closing the damper with hot ashes will help the fire heat up again and allow carbon monoxide into your home.
- If you use artificial logs, follow the directions on the package. Use only one synthetic log at a time and never break one apart to quicken the fire.
- Discard cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container. Store the container outside and away from the house.
Gas Furnace
- Have your furnace inspected to ensure it’s in good working condition.
- Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, install additional pipe insulation.
- Check that the flue pipe and pipe seams are well-supported and without holes and cracks. Soot along or around seams may signal a leak.
- Keep combustible items away from the heating system.
Other Fire Safety Tips
- Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Never use a range or an oven for heating. Not only is it a safety hazard, but it can also be a source of carbon monoxide.
- If you use electric heaters, plug only one heater into a wall outlet at a time to avoid overloading the circuit. If you can’t use a wall outlet, use extension cords of a similar size or larger than the heater’s electrical cord.
- Avoid using electric heaters in bathrooms or other areas where water is frequently used.
- Never try to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. The pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space.
- Regularly plan and practice your fire escape plan with your family. Establish two exits in each room.
- Use emergency escape ladders to exit through windows if the primary escape route is blocked.
- If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow to help the fire department locate it in case of a fire.
Have Winter Fire Damage? Connect with PuroClean North Metro Atlanta Now!
A fire is devastating, yet its aftermath can be just as overwhelming. If you need fire damage restoration in North Metro Atlanta this winter, count on PuroClean North Metro Atlanta to be at your side. Our skilled technicians will remediate the damage using state-of-the-art tools and techniques to ensure your home or business returns to its pre-loss condition. We are available 24/7, so please give us a call at (770) 720-2320 in North Metro Atlanta for immediate assistance.
