Fire Safety Tips for Fall and Winter

12/11/2024 (Permalink)

During fall and winter, we rely more on heating equipment, fireplaces, and holiday decorations, which can lead to more fire risks.

As the weather gets colder, the risk of home fires tends to rise. Fall and winter bring cozy fires, holiday decorations, and heating systems into play—unfortunately, these also increase fire hazards. During fall and winter, we rely more on heating equipment, fireplaces, and holiday decorations, which can lead to more fire risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment alone is linked to about 45,000 home fires each year in the U.S.  Here are some easy-to-follow fire prevention tips for the cooler months.

Maintain Your Heating Systems

Furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters can all cause fires if not properly maintained.

• Get a yearly checkup: Have your furnace inspected before you turn it on for the season.
• Space heater safety: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, like furniture or curtains.
• Be careful with fireplaces: Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out, and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.

Clean and Inspect Your Chimney

A dirty chimney can be a major fire hazard due to creosote buildup, which is highly flammable.

• Annual cleaning: Have a professional inspect and clean your chimney every year before using it.
• Burn dry wood: Always use dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace to reduce creosote buildup.

Be Smart with Holiday Decorations

Holiday lights and candles can add to the festive mood, but they also add to fire risks.

• Choose flame-resistant decorations: Look for decorations labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Inspect lights before use: Check all holiday lights for damaged cords or broken bulbs, and don’t overload outlets.
• Candle safety: Keep candles on stable surfaces and away from anything flammable, like curtains. For added safety, consider using flameless LED candles.

Practice Kitchen Safety

With more cooking around the holidays, kitchen fires become a bigger risk.

• Stay in the kitchen: Never leave the stove unattended, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby: Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and make sure you know how to use it.
• Keep the stove area clear: Move anything flammable, like towels or paper, away from the stove.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are one of the best ways to protect your family from a fire.

• Test alarms monthly: Check your smoke alarms every month to make sure they’re working.
• Change batteries yearly: Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, or as soon as they start beeping.
• Install alarms on every level: Make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor, especially near bedrooms.

Be Careful with Outdoor Fires

Outdoor fire pits are great in the fall and winter, but they also come with risks.

• Keep fires away from your home: Always place fire pits at least 10 feet away from your house or any structure.
• Don’t leave fires unattended: Never leave a fire pit burning without supervision, and always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

By following these simple tips, you can reduce the risk of a fire in your home this fall and winter. From taking care of your heating systems to being smart with holiday decorations, small actions can make a big difference. If you ever need help with fire damage restoration, SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood is always here to assist.